Self Care Tips & Resources for Caregivers

In May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. It is essential that we acknowledge the uniqueness that comes with being a caregiver, and the impact that it has on your mental health. Taking care of yourself is essential not only to your overall well-being but also your ability to care for your child. Here are some self-care tips from our experts at Little Spurs Autism Centers that can help promote a healthy mind:  

• Prioritize sleep: Lack of sleep takes a significant toll on your mental and physical health! Adjusting your schedule to ensure that you get enough sleep every night is a crucial step to take on your mental health journey.  
• Include activity in your day: Exercise has been backed by science to increase positive mindsets and a happier overall mood, as well as an important step to take when looking to reducing stress!  
• Connect with others: Having a support system of others to understand you and encourage you is an important factor in your mental and emotional well-being.  
• Practice compassion: Yes, to yourself! Don’t forget to be kind and forgiving to yourself, it is important to recognize that you are doing the best that you can do. 
• Ask for help when you need it: sometimes the solutions to our problems are outside of our own abilities and understanding, it is important to take a step back and ask for help from time to time.  

According to a recent study by the National Institute of Health, it is reported that 48% of caregivers raising children with Autism suffer from psychological distress. There are great resources available for those seeking to get connected with others, do research, and promote mental well-being. Some resources include:  

• Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is an organization that dedicates it’s mission to helping children and their families. They offer many resources, including information on support groups as well as information on therapies and services that could be beneficial. Check out more information on this resource here. 
• Milestones Autism Resources: This is a group dedicated to promoting safety resources for moms and families taking care of children on the Autism spectrum. They offer information related to water safety, eloping behaviors, and more. To check out their resource directory for support groups, click here.  
• National Autism Association: They dedicate a majority of their organization to resources and support for families. They have online support groups for family members, to read more on their website click here.