In caregiving, sensitivity is often framed as a weakness. We’re told to be “thick skinned,” “detached,” or “resilient enough” to handle anything. But I’ve learned in 13 years as a PSW, and now as a nursing student, that sensitivity is actually a strength. It allows you to notice subtle changes in a patient, respond with empathy, and anticipate needs before they become crises. It makes your care more thoughtful, ethical, and humane. The challenge isn’t sensitivity itself, it’s learning how to regulate it so it doesn’t lead to burnout. Sensitivity without self-care can overwhelm us, but sensitivity with boundaries, nervous-system awareness, and practical strategies is what makes us truly effective caregivers. I’d love to hear from you: How has your sensitivity helped you in your caregiving work?

Care work can be draining in different ways, and it's not always the obvious things. Sometimes it's: - Emotional labour - Family dynamics - Time pressure - Sensory overload - Moral distress - Or the feeling of never quite being "off" You don't need to explain or justify anything here. If you want to share, just answer simply: What drains you the most right now? (Responding to other's is optional.)

What is a commonly repeated piece of advice that has never quite sat right with you? Perhaps it felt unrealistic, dismissive, overly simplistic, or didn’t reflect real lived experiences. I’d love to hear what the advice was, why it didn’t resonate, and what you believe might be a healthier or more accurate alternative. For example, many people say, “Treat people how you want to be treated.” A more compassionate and person-centered approach might be: “Treat people how they want to be treated,” because not everyone has the same needs, preferences, or experiences. Looking forward to hearing your perspectives and reflections. 💛

Sensitivity can be a superpower in caregiving, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. I’d love to hear from you: - When has your sensitivity helped you notice something others might have missed? - When has it felt like too much, and how did you handle it? - What strategies do you use to stay grounded while still being compassionate? There’s no right or wrong answer here. This space is for sharing, reflecting, and learning from each other, not judging. Even a sentence or a few words counts. Your experience might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.