Navigating Chronic Stress for Parents and Caregivers

As parents or caregivers of children with special healthcare needs, including behavioral health, we deal with stress on a daily basis. Studies consistently show that stress is higher for parents of children with disabilities (Gerstein, 2009). The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, leading to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and feelings of isolation. Parents of children with special needs often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, as they navigate medical, educational, and social challenges on a daily basis (Scherer, Verhey, & Kuper, 2019).