Many of us have been taught that caregiving should be selfless, that our own pain should always come second. But what if grieving while your loved one is still here isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you? What if it’s a sign that you love someone deeply and are losing pieces of them along the way?

For many of us, low energy is treated like a discipline problem. We tell ourselves we need more motivation, stronger willpower, or a better routine. But what if low energy isn't a flaw in our work ethic? What if it's a signal from a nervous system that has been carrying too much stress for too long?