🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #331

I am caring for a spouse with a mental illness and I am starting to go under myself. What can I do?

Caring for a sick spouse does not mean you must sacrifice your own health and self completely. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Set compassionate boundaries, look after your sleep, meals and worship, and accept help from family or a counsellor. Do not take on the role of the doctor; leave treatment to the experts. Share your feelings with someone you trust so that you are not alone. Resting for a while is not betrayal, but the way you are able to keep supporting. If you yourself start to become depressed, get help for yourself too. See counselling.

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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