Transforming Stress into Strength as a Caregiver with Lena Suarez-Angelino

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Lena Suarez-Angelino, a bilingual licensed clinical social worker, special-needs mom, and the author of The Anger Management Workbook for Moms. Lena"s story is both inspiring and eye-opening as she discusses the unique challenges of caregiving, particularly for parents of children with special needs, and how she has worked to turn those challenges into opportunities for growth and support. Lena shares how her passion for strength training and CrossFit has become a crucial part of her life, especially when it comes to physically lifting her 86-pound son, who is unable to walk. She opens up about how caregiving for her son motivated her to create a Facebook group to support other special- needs caregivers, with the goal of tackling the prevalent issue of caregiver burnout. Together, we dive into the topic of burnout, exploring the emotional and physical toll of caregiving and discussing effective strategies for managing stress and preventing exhaustion, such as "zooming in and zooming out" to reassess one’s capacity and workload. Lena shares insights on practical tools from her Anger Management Workbook, which is filled with activities like journaling exercises, grounding techniques, and strategies to help moms manage anger, regulate emotions, and avoid burnout. We also explore the importance of support systems, therapy, and self-care. Lena emphasizes the need for caregivers to recognize when they need help and to lean on their support networks—whether through family, therapy, or community groups. This conversation is filled with relatable stories and helpful strategies for anyone facing burnout or caring for a loved one with special needs. Don"t miss this insightful discussion about finding balance, building a support network, and taking care of yourself while caring for others. Key Takeaways: 1. Caregivers, especially those caring for special needs children, must be aware of burnout symptoms and take action early to prevent it. 2. A strong support system, including family, friends, and professional resources, is essential for managing the challenges of caregiving and avoiding burnout. 3. Engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, therapy, and personal time, is essential for caregivers to recharge and maintain mental health. 4. Practical tools, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, can help caregivers manage anger and stress in difficult moments. 5. Caregivers often hesitate to seek help, but recognizing when you need support and asking for it can make a significant difference in managing burnout and maintaining balance. . . . Book a consultation with Dr. Tomi Mitchell Click HERE to schedule a free 30-minute consultation if you"d like support  to take the right step towards the great life you deserve. ⭐Thank you for listening to our podcast! We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to give us a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you high-quality content. Thank you!