Hi Karen- caregiving is soo hard. And most people just don’t understand the toll. I’ve felt incredibly lonely- as people closest to me that i assumed would understand- just don’t. I have found myself angry with family at times because of this. And the weight of the emotional toll on your loved one is hard too- especially if you tend to “feel” their feelings. I think you are right that most people don’t understand until they actually experience it.
So please just know- there are people who get it. I heard you, see you- and understand. I’m tired too. Prayers for strength for you. And rest. Please try to doing brief moments of things that make you feel good -nothing over the top- we have enough on our plates! But for me- I love to occasionally have a solo drive and blast some music and sing. Even just to store. Or I take a long bath late, and read about the universe. Gets my mind off the day. Do something small that makes you feel good inside. Hugs.