Caregiving is a journey that requires strength, resilience, and adaptability. But over time, it can also become overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. Many caregivers push forward, ignoring the toll it takes, thinking that’s just part of the role. But what if the very habits we rely on to protect us are actually holding us back?

To better understand this, imagine wearing a wetsuit.

What Is a Wetsuit and Why Does It Matter?

For those unfamiliar, a wetsuit is a thick, protective suit worn in water sports, designed to keep the wearer warm and insulated while allowing movement. It helps swimmers, divers, and surfers stay comfortable in cold water by trapping a thin layer of water against the skin, which warms up from body heat.

Now, think of this wetsuit as a metaphor for caregiving.

The Caregiver’s Wetsuit: Protection or Restriction?

We step into caregiving wearing our own version of a wetsuit—stitched together by our past experiences, expectations, and learned behaviors. At first, it feels like armor, keeping us prepared for the journey ahead.

But over time, the wear and tear begin to show:

🔹 Stress builds up.

🔹 Exhaustion takes over.

🔹 Self-sacrifice becomes the norm.

Tiny rips form in the fabric, but instead of acknowledging them, we patch over the damage: