Episode notes
Episode Description
Have you ever looked at an old photo of yourself and wondered, What happened to that version of me?
Caregiving has a way of quietly reshaping our lives. One appointment becomes dozens. One act of helping becomes years of responsibility. And somewhere along the way, it's easy to lose sight of the person you were before caregiving became part of your identity.
In this solo episode, Mikayla explores the often-overlooked grief of losing yourself while caring for someone else. Together, we'll talk about identity, role engulfment, the invisible sacrifices caregivers make, and why missing your old life doesn't mean you love your person any less.
If you've ever felt like you've become "just the caregiver," this conversation is your reminder that you're still in there.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why caregivers often feel like they've lost their identity
- The invisible sacrifices that come with caregiving
- What role engulfment is and how it affects your sense of self
- Why grieving your old life is a normal part of the caregiving journey
- Small, meaningful ways to reconnect with yourself again
💛 If this episode resonated with you, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, or sharing it with another caregiver who needs this reminder: You are more than the role you carry.
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About The Care Collective Podcast
The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.