SINGAPORE

Julia Chan’s life took an unexpected turn when her elder son, Jedi, was diagnosed with autism at the tender age of four. This pivot was further complicated by similar challenges faced by her younger son, Javian, who is currently undergoing evaluation for ADHD.

The initial diagnosis brought a whirlwind of emotions for Chan, who found herself engulfed in self-doubt and guilt. Memories of pondering, “Could I have done something differently during my pregnancy?” haunted her as she witnessed Jedi’s struggles to articulate his needs. “He could parrot phrases back to me, but he couldn't express what he wanted,” Chan recalls, illustrating the heartbreak of a mother's helplessness.

Julia’s journey as a caregiver has been laden with responsibilities and stress, motivating her to pen *The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care,* a comprehensive 200-page guide released by CaringSG, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting caregivers of individuals with special needs. In Singapore alone, over 350,000 informal caregivers grapple with similar challenges, reflecting a significant societal issue.

The book serves as a beacon of hope and practical support, offering insights and exercises to help caregivers manage their emotional and mental wellbeing amidst demanding roles. It emphasizes the critical need for caregivers to prioritize their self-care, as Chan learned through her own struggles with stress, insomnia, and anxiety, which often strained her family relationships.

“My expectations were unrealistic; I became that nagging wife who pointed out what was done wrong, and that was tough on my marriage,” she admits. Realizing this, Chan and her husband devised a cooperative way to balance household responsibilities, which brought relief not only to her but also to their partnership.

Encouraged by her experiences and the overwhelming support she gained from fellow caregivers—she joined a WhatsApp group that became a lifeline—Julia decided to document her findings and resources into a structured format. Her book consolidates valuable tips on communication, self-care, and emotional resilience, catering directly to the needs she shared with other caregivers.

CaringSG recently launched caregiver training programs, training over 66 volunteers since 2021 to act as peer supporters, aptly named CAREbuddies and CAREchampions, enhancing community connections and emotional support networks among caregivers.

Moreover, the organization is collaborating with several social service agencies to train more volunteers, expanding its reach to help even more families facing these challenges.

Julia's book has already proven beneficial to many, like Susan Chia, who finds it a valuable resource for coping with her son’s ADHD. “It’s a guide for self-love—a reminder to focus on well-being,” she shares.

Beyond the book, caregivers are also seeking physical spaces for respite, as illustrated by the recent Respite & Resilience Retreat facilitated by Caregivers Alliance Limited. This initiative provided caregivers with crucial downtime to recharge and reconnect with themselves, showcasing the pressing need for mental health resources.

Tim Lee, the CEO of Caregivers Alliance Limited, emphasizes that addressing the multifaceted pressures caregivers face—like job stability, emotional support, and financial hardships—is essential for the health of both caregivers and their charges. He advocates for flexible work arrangements from employers to accommodate their dual roles as workers and caregivers.

As the caregiving landscape evolves, *The Healing Journal* is a vital tool, urging caregivers to prioritize themselves while navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs. Chan's hope is that her work will spark a broader conversation about the importance of self-care among caregivers, ensuring they receive the support they need and deserve.

For those interested, a copy of *The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care* can be acquired through a donation, making this invaluable resource accessible to those who need it most.