For caregivers, a friend who ‘gets it’ can be a lifeline

The Oakland Press

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For caregivers, a friend who ‘gets it’ can be a lifeline

I seesawed between steely independence and a longing to lean on others — to stop pretending I was coping when I was ready to break. But I didn’t want pity and was afraid my relationships couldn’t bear the weight of my dark thoughts or ugly, heaving sobs.