Wednesday, February 25, 7 pm, virtual presentation
Guest speaker: Wendy Bamatter, PhD. Do you sometimes, or perhaps more often than you’d like, find yourself parenting from a place of emotional reactivity? Maybe you yell or make threats because, in the moment, it feels like the only available option. Perhaps you shut down and disconnect, becoming numb as a way to cope. These reactions are common and understandable responses to caregiver burnout. When burnout goes unrecognized or unaddressed, it can take a significant toll on caregivers’ mental health, relationships, and physical well-being. Parenting today is complex and demanding, and research suggests that rates of caregiver burnout are at historic highs. For parents raising children with serious mental health challenges, the demands are even greater. In this talk, we will draw on research from psychology, neuroscience, and family systems to define caregiver burnout, explore the factors that contribute to its development and persistence, and of course, discuss ways to address it early and sustainably. Presented as part of the Expert Education Series by The Sashbear Foundation.