Caregiver Guilt and Resentment in Raleigh, NC: How to Cope

Coping with Guilt and Resentment as a Family Caregiver in Raleigh, NC

Caring for a loved one—especially a parent, spouse, or aging relative—can be one of the most rewarding experiences. But it can also bring overwhelming emotions, especially when those feelings include resentment or guilt. If you’re a family caregiver in Raleigh, North Carolina, and you’ve ever thought, “I feel so guilty for feeling resentful,” know this: you are not alone, and your feelings are valid.

At Griswold Home Care Raleigh, we support countless families navigating the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving. In this post, we’ll explore where those feelings come from, how to manage them in a healthy way, and when to seek help.

Why Do I Feel Guilty or Resentful?

You may love your parent, spouse, or family member deeply—but caregiving can be exhausting. The feelings of resentment usually don’t stem from a lack of love, but rather from:

• Burnout and fatigue from long hours of unpaid labor
• Isolation from friends, career, or hobbies
• Role reversal—such as becoming the caretaker for a parent who once cared for you
• Lack of support from other family members

And when resentment creeps in, guilt quickly follows: “How can I feel this way about someone I love?”

You Are Human—And You’re Doing Your Best

If you’re a caregiver in the Raleigh-Durham area, especially managing a loved one’s needs with little help, it’s normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed.

Remember:

• Your emotions are a sign that you need care too
• Guilt and resentment are common among caregivers—not a reflection of your character
• You are not selfish for needing a break

Tips to Cope with Caregiver Resentment and Guilt

Here are practical ways caregivers in Raleigh, NC can manage these difficult emotions:

1. Talk About It

Whether it’s with a therapist, support group, or trusted friend, talking through your feelings helps reduce the burden. Consider joining a local caregiver support group in Wake County or engaging in online communities like r/CaregiverSupport.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

It’s okay to say no. Set limits on what you can and cannot do—without guilt. Boundaries protect your emotional and physical well-being.

3. Practice Self-Care Daily

Even 10 minutes of quiet time, a short walk through Pullen Park or a cup of coffee at a Raleigh café can recharge your mental batteries. Make your needs a non-negotiable priority.

4. Ask for Help

Don’t try to do it all. Whether that means leaning on family or hiring respite care services in Raleigh, delegating tasks can give you much-needed relief.

5. Work with a Home Care Agency

Professional caregivers from Griswold Home Care – Raleigh can take the pressure off your shoulders, even if it’s just a few hours a week. This gives you time to rest, recharge, or focus on your own health and responsibilities.

Caregiver Support is Here for You

If you’re struggling with guilt or resentment, it doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re trying to carry too much. Let us help you carry it.

At Griswold Home Care in Raleigh, NC, we understand the emotional toll caregiving can take. Our team offers compassionate, non-medical home care services across Wake County, designed to ease the load on family caregivers just like you.

Need a break? Let Griswold Raleigh support you.
📞 Call us today at 919-435-0823 or contact us online to learn more about respite care and in-home support for your loved one.