22/10/2025
Oof. Carer burnout got me good more than once.
It’s one of those things that sneaks up on you. You don’t even realise you’re in it until you’re completely swallowed by it.
As carers, we spend so much time looking after everyone else that we forget to look after ourselves.
But the truth is, if we’re broken, we can’t care for anyone.
When I went through burnout, it hit hard.
I was tired all the time, snappy, withdrawn and emotional. I cried over things that never used to bother me.
I couldn’t sleep,
I lost motivation and even my health started to fall apart.
For me, carer burnout made me feel like a complete failure just for thinking about asking for help. I felt so alone, like no one really understood what I was going through.
Some days I couldn’t even face getting out of bed.
Everything felt dark and heavy, and when I thought I could see a light at the end of the tunnel, it always felt like an oncoming train.
When you’re a carer for someone with disabilities, it’s even harder.
It’s not just double the work, it’s triple.
Everything is tough.
I remember when my 3 kids were little, being put on hold to Telstra for five minutes was enough to send me over the edge.
I was angry and explosive.
My kids walked on eggshells, never knowing when I might lose it.
I was running on empty and completely burnt out.
That’s why I get it when other parents and carers cry.
I really do.
Because I know how heavy it feels.
I know what it’s like when every single thing feels too much, when asking for help feels impossible, and when you’d rather do anything than admit you’re not coping.
But we can’t do it all alone.
If you’re choosing a support coordinator or a service provider, my biggest piece of advice is to find someone who actually understands where you’re coming from.
Someone who knows the emotional toll it takes, not just the practical side. It makes such a difference when you’re supported by people who really get it, especially when things go wrong and you’re left carrying the load.
Carer burnout is real.
It’s physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that builds slowly over time. It can look like:
• Constant tiredness that doesn’t go away
• Feeling anxious or sad all the time
• Snapping at people you love
• Withdrawing from others
• Losing sleep or appetite
• Feeling hopeless or numb
Recognising those signs early is so important because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
If this sounds familiar, please reach out.
Talk to someone.
Take a break if you can.
Ask for help.
It doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.
Carers deserve to be heard, supported and appreciated for the strength it takes to keep going every single day.
If you’re stuck in that dark place, please know you’re not alone.
I’ve been there.
And with the right support, it really is possible to find your way back to the light again. 💜
Narelle
Director
