When Cancer Caregivers Need to Ask for Help
Caring for a loved one with cancer is one of the most selfless and challenging roles a person can take on. Caregivers often devote endless hours to appointments, treatments, and emotional support, all while managing their own daily responsibilities. Yet, despite the immense burden, many caregivers hesitate to ask for help, often due to guilt, fear of appearing inadequate, or the belief that they should handle everything on their own.
At Hope Abounds, we’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for caregivers to recognize when they need support and to feel empowered to seek it. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a necessary step toward sustaining the energy and resilience needed to provide the best possible care.
Why Caregivers Struggle to Ask for Help
One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is guilt. Many feel that asking for assistance means they’re failing their loved one or not doing enough. In reality, caregiving is not meant to be a solo responsibility. Without support, stress and burnout can take a toll, impacting both the caregiver’s health and the quality of care they provide.
Hope Abounds co-founder Elizabeth Barnes notes that this is a common struggle:
"We find that many caregivers feel guilty about asking for assistance, believing they should be able to manage everything themselves. They may worry that needing help reflects inadequacy or that they’re letting down the person they’re caring for."
Understanding this mental and emotional barrier is the first step toward overcoming it. Shifting the mindset to see caregiving as a shared responsibility, not something to handle alone, can make all the difference.
A Story of Finding Support: Faith’s Journey
At Hope Abounds, we assist caregivers every day by connecting them with resources, support groups, and guidance tailored to their needs. One example is Faith, a mother caring for her son during his cancer treatment. Like many caregivers, she felt overwhelmed, juggling physical, emotional, and financial stress while experiencing profound isolation.
Through Hope Abounds’ support programs, Faith found relief. She was able to:
Connect with a care coordinator to identify local resources.
Join biweekly calls that provided encouragement and practical solutions.
Participate in virtual support groups, where she connected with others in similar situations.
Access counseling services help her cope with the emotional toll.
Arrange for respite care, giving her much-needed breaks.
This network of support allowed Faith to regain confidence and energy, reminding her that she was not alone in this journey.
Breaking Through Guilt: Advice for Caregivers
If you’re a caregiver struggling with guilt, remember: Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and burnout benefits no one.
Here are some ways to shift your perspective and feel more comfortable asking for help:
Reframe Asking for Help as Strength – Recognizing when you need support shows self-awareness, not weakness.
Be Specific in Your Requests – Often, friends and family want to help but don’t know how. Let them know exactly what you need.
Understand the Long-Term Benefits – Taking breaks and seeking support makes you a better, more present caregiver in the long run.
Seek Out Caregiver Resources – There are programs, groups, and services designed specifically to support caregivers—you are not alone.
Finding Support Through Hope Abounds
For caregivers seeking guidance, emotional support, and resources, Hope Abounds offers several programs designed to help navigate the challenges of caregiving:
Caregiver Support Program – A resource designed to assist caregivers in managing responsibilities, preventing burnout, and finding emotional support while caring for a loved one with cancer.
Restoration Circle Virtual Support Groups – A safe space for caregivers and patients to connect, share experiences, and gain emotional support through guided discussions and community engagement.
Storehouse Wellness Partnership – In collaboration with Storehouse Wellness, Hope Abounds provides caregivers with access to wellness resources, including nutrition, mental health, physical fitness, and financial well-being support at discounted membership fees.
One-2-One Support Services – Offering personalized patient advocacy, this program connects caregivers with essential resources and tailored support, helping them navigate their loved one's cancer journey.
These programs provide caregivers with practical tools, encouragement, and a sense of community so they don’t have to walk this journey alone.
To learn more or access these resources, visit: Hope Abounds Caregiver Support
You Are Not Alone
Being a caregiver is a deeply compassionate role, but no one is meant to do it alone. Asking for help is not giving up, it’s ensuring you can continue showing up for your loved one in the best way possible.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to reach out, connect with a support group, and remind yourself that your well-being matters too.
For more insight into the importance of caregivers seeking support, check out this article: You're Just Human: When Cancer Caregivers Need to Ask for Help
At Hope Abounds, we are here for you.