- King Charles III and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, both announced they had cancer this year.
- Prince William likely took on a caregiver role for his family members.
Prince William's wife and father both announced separate cancer diagnoses within a month of each other.
Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III's diagnosis in a statement shared in February, just weeks after the 75-year-old underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, later announced her cancer diagnosis in a video statement in March. Her diagnosis came after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker, told Business Insider that learning to cope with one or more relatives' cancer diagnoses is often overwhelming, especially when coupled with taking on a caregiver role.
"It's an emotionally and physically challenging role," Cwynar said.
Cwynar is a full-time therapist but previously served as a hospice social worker, so she's familiar with the burnout caregivers can face. Cwynar, who works with the Cultural Humility and Equity Collaborative, offered advice to caregivers on navigating the role and addressing burnout.
Cwynar said stress is an unavoidable part of becoming a caregiver, but it's important for caregivers to acknowledge their emotions
Cwynar, also an adjunct professor at Pennsylvania Western University, said stress can manifest for caregivers in various ways, including "physical exhaustion, emotional strain, social isolation, and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and frustration."
She emphasized that these feelings are normal and caregivers should give themselves room during this time.
"Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions in response to the diagnosis, such as shock, sadness, anger, and fear," Cwynar said. It's important to acknowledge and process these feelings in a healthy way."
Unchecked stress can lead to caregiver burnout that will negatively affect them and their loved ones
According to Cwynar, there's no specific time when caregiver burnout will strike.
"It can occur when caregivers experience prolonged stress and exhaustion from providing care to loved ones," she said.
Emotional distress, heightened irritability, anxiety, depression, and feelings of resentment can all go hand in hand with caregiver burnout. Cwynar added that weary caregivers can also experience sleep issues, changes in appetite, changes in weight, exhaustion, isolation, brain fog, and physical symptoms like hives.
Burnout can also surface when caregivers neglect their health and hygiene.
"Self-care is essential for maintaining your well-being and resilience as a caregiver. By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to provide effective care and support for your loved ones. You have to take care of yourself," she said.
However, she knows that can be easier said than done sometimes and might stir feelings of guilt.
"Remember that caring for yourself is not selfish," Cwynar said. "It's necessary for sustaining your caregiving role and overall well-being. Step away. Prioritize self-care, seek support, and be kind to yourself as you navigate the challenges of being a caregiver."
There are ways to minimize stress, including setting boundaries
Cwynar said caregivers should set realistic expectations and recognize that they can't do everything perfectly.
"Delegate tasks when possible," she said. "Ask for help when needed and focus on what is important for your loved ones' care."
She also said it's good for caregivers to establish boundaries between their caregiver life and personal life. Joining a caregiver support group can also help, in addition to taking regularly scheduled breaks and exercising.
"As caregiver burnout is impacting your mental health or well-being, consider seeking therapy or counseling to address your emotional needs," she said. "Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to continue providing effective care to your loved one."