When My World Shrunk to a Hospital Room: A Caregiver’s Silent Battle

Between 2012 and 2014, my entire world was confined to a hospital room. My father was in and out of coma during that time, and I practically lived in the hospital. Life outside those walls felt distant and almost unreal. Festivals came and went, and though friends called and offered support, I just couldn’t engage with them. I didn’t have the emotional space or words to share what I was really feeling.

I wasn’t just taking care of my father; I was battling intense anxiety, frustration, and helplessness every single day. I questioned everything from the doctors’ advice, the treatment decisions, my own ability to handle the situation. I felt like I was stuck in a loop, hoping for a sign of improvement, fearing the worst with every passing hour.

This is a state known as caregiver burnout, where your mind and body are pushed to the edge by constant stress and emotional weight. You run on autopilot, trying to stay strong for your loved one, while inside you feel like you’re drowning.

It took me a long time to process those years and find a sense of normalcy again. To learn that it was okay to step away for a moment, to accept help, and to acknowledge my own emotions without guilt.

If you’re in a similar situation, please remember: your feelings are valid. You’re not alone in your anxiety and helplessness. Take moments for yourself, reach out for support, and know that it’s okay to take care of yourself too.