5 Signs of Caregiver Burnout Raising a Child with PANDAS/PANS or Special Needs
Navigating Caregiver Burnout As A Parent in Paris Texas
Raising a high-needs child isn't just hard. It's emotionally and physically exhausting.
Whether you're parenting a child with PANDAS/PANS, autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent needs, the toll it takes on your nervous system, relationships, and mental health can be profound. Caregiver burnout is real—and if you've been wondering why you're snapping more easily, feeling constantly overwhelmed, or losing your sense of self, you're not alone.
At Therapy Season, we support parents just like you who are navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising a high-needs child. Below are five common signs of caregiver burnout and gentle steps to begin your healing journey.
1. You Feel Emotionally Numb or Disconnected
Caregiver burnout often looks like emotional flatness. You may feel like you're just going through the motions, unable to feel joy, connection, or even sadness. When you're in constant survival mode, your brain naturally detaches to protect you.
What can help: Give yourself permission to feel again. Talking to a trauma-informed therapist can help you reconnect with your emotions in a safe, supportive space. Book a free consult with Therapy Season to get started.
Read more about emotional numbness and parenting trauma from Healthline.
2. You’re Constantly Exhausted—Even After Rest
This isn’t just "mom tired" or "dad tired." This is deep, bone-level fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep. When you’re constantly caregiving, managing medical appointments, meltdowns, or school advocacy, your nervous system doesn't get a break.
What can help: Prioritize nervous system regulation and micro-breaks throughout your day. Consider trying grounding tools or somatic therapy. Learn more about caregiver support therapy.
3. You Struggle to Make Simple Decisions
Decision fatigue is a hallmark of burnout. Even small choices—like what to make for dinner or how to respond to an email—can feel overwhelming. When you're constantly on high alert, your cognitive load becomes maxed out.
What can help: Reduce mental clutter by building routines and boundaries that protect your energy. Therapy can help you explore patterns of over-functioning or perfectionism that might be contributing to the mental load.
4. You Feel Isolated and Misunderstood
Many parents raising children with PANDAS/PANS or neurodiverse needs feel incredibly alone. Your friends and family might not understand the reality of your day-to-day life, which can lead to withdrawing or masking how much you're struggling.
What can help: Connection is medicine. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or online communities, finding spaces where you feel seen and validated can reduce shame and offer real relief. Reach out here to find your space.
Visit the PANDAS Network for community and advocacy resources.
5. You Question If You’re a “Good Enough” Parent
Burnout breeds self-doubt. When things feel out of control, it’s easy to internalize guilt or believe you're failing your child. You might constantly compare yourself to other parents or feel like you should be doing more, even when you're already at your limit.
What can help: Therapy helps you untangle your worth from your productivity or your child’s progress. You are not your child’s meltdowns. You are not your burnout. You are worthy of care, too.
Kristy Lane Therapy Season Paris Texas Therapist For Parents of neurodiverse & PANDAS/PANS children
You Deserve Support, Too.
Caregiver burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without the support you deserve. At Therapy Season, we specialize in supporting parents navigating the complexity of PANDAS/PANS and neurodivergent parenting.
Ready to feel more grounded, seen, and supported?
