Mental Health Check-In: Mid-Year Reflections for Caregivers

July marks the midpoint of the year - a perfect moment to pause, take a breath, and reflect. For caregivers supporting loved ones with disabilities, life often moves at a relentless pace. The routines, therapies, appointments, and responsibilities rarely take a summer break. For those with school-aged children, it’s an extra busy time of year. And while others may associate summer with rest and travel, many caregivers are just trying to hold everything together.

That’s why this time of year offers a valuable opportunity to check in with yourself, your mental and emotional well-being, and the support systems around you.

At Kindness Evolves, we know that caregiving is deeply rewarding, but also physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. As we move through the summer months, we want to gently remind every caregiver that your well-being matters. It matters not just as an afterthought, but as a priority. You deserve care, rest, and moments of peace just as much as those you care for.

It’s Okay to Slow Down

Caregivers are often running on autopilot, handling everything from medication schedules to meltdowns to meal prep. But sustaining that energy without rest can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even resentment. If your body or mind is telling you to slow down, listen.

Taking a break (even a short one) isn’t selfish. It’s necessary! A 10-minute breather during a therapy session or a quiet morning before the household wakes up can create just enough space to reset.

Small Moments Can Make Big Impacts

You don’t need a vacation or a spa day to recharge (though you deserve those too!). Sometimes, it’s about carving out small, consistent pockets of time for yourself.

Ideas to try:

• A short walk in the early evening

• Playing your favorite music while doing chores

• Journaling a few thoughts before bed

• Calling a friend who really gets it

• Saying no to something that drains you

These micro-moments of rest and joy matter. They add up. They keep you grounded.

Reflect Without Judgment

Ask yourself:

• How am I really doing right now?

• What’s one thing I’ve done this year that I’m proud of?

• What’s been especially challenging lately?

• What do I need more of, and what can I let go of?

Try to answer with kindness, not criticism. Caregiving is full of highs and lows, and every effort you make counts. Reflection isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about noticing what you’ve been carrying, and giving yourself credit for how far you’ve come.

You Are Not Alone

Isolation is common in caregiving, but it doesn’t have to be the norm. Whether it's talking to a fellow parent provider, reaching out to your support coordinator, or joining an online caregiver group, connection makes a difference. (And let us know if you’d like to find more connection within our network. We are HAPPY to connect parents with other parents, and providers with other providers for community!)

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you’re not weak. You’re human! And you deserve support just as much as your loved one does.

Looking Ahead With Intention

As we move into the second half of the year, consider setting one gentle, achievable intention for yourself. Not a big goal or a resolution, just something small that supports you.

For example:

• I will ask for help when I need it.

• I will stop apologizing for setting boundaries.

• I will give myself five quiet minutes each day.

• I will remind myself that doing my best is enough.

You don’t have to change everything at once. Small shifts create space for bigger healing.

We see you. We honor the work you do every single day. And we’re here to remind you: you matter. Your needs, your rest, your voice all matter.

Here’s to a second half of the year filled with more compassion - for your loved ones, and for yourself.