November 24, 2025 - Acadia Story
National Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to honor the millions of individuals across the country who quietly shoulder the daily responsibility of caring for loved ones. Family caregivers manage schedules, advocate for medical needs, and absorb emotional stress – all while juggling their own lives. Community support, empathy, and simple acts of kindness can dramatically reduce caregiver stress and isolation.
The stories of caregivers are often hidden in plain sight, woven into daily routines, late-night worries, and moments of fierce advocacy. Recognizing these stories and the people behind them is essential.
Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers
Caregiving is rarely a solo endeavor. What challenges do caregivers face?
- Caregivers help navigate complex medical needs.
- They face behavioral or developmental hurdles.
- Caregivers manage daily logistics like transportation, medication management, and appointments.
- They carry emotional fatigue and uncertainty about the future.
The impact on caregivers is sobering: A conservative estimate from the Family Caregiver Alliance reports that 20% of family caregivers suffer from depression, twice the rate of the general population. Financial worries, limited respite, and fear of long-term sustainability in providing care add to the emotional toll.
In these moments, community becomes not just a comfort, but also a lifeline.
The Role of Community in Caregiving
Acadia recently had the privilege of hearing firsthand about the challenges and wins of caregiving from Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit that supports caregiving moms of children, of any age, with any diagnosis or disability. Jessica’s journey reflects what many caregivers know well: connection and support change everything.
She shared practical ways we can all support the caregivers in our lives. These small, intentional acts of kindness can make a profound impact in a caregiver’s day-to-day life.
How Can People Support Family Caregivers?
“Whether we are caregivers ourselves or know someone who is, there are tangible ways to offer support. The most meaningful gestures are often simple: bringing a meal, offering to help with chores, or simply listening without judgment or without minimizing their experience. It’s a good idea to avoid ‘at least’ statements that inadvertently diminish the challenges faced. Instead, acknowledge the complexity and offer genuine empathy.”
— Jessica Patay, Founder, We Are Brave Together
Acadia team members also reflected on their own experiences.
“My mother was a caregiver, and I know now that she deserved more appreciation and compassion than I ever gave. Working at Acadia, I’m constantly reminded of the strength and empathy caregivers bring to every moment, and how vital it is to honor their sacrifices.”
— Patricia Maxwell, Sr. Clinical Study Manager, Acadia Pharmaceuticals
What Organizations Support Caregivers?
Caregiver support organizations provide more than education – they offer belonging. They include groups such as:
These groups offer support groups, retreats, and provide a sense of belonging through shared experiences. Their communities validate caregivers’ emotions, reduce isolation, and encourage investment in mental healthcare.
As Jessica described, community is a soothing balm that heals intense isolation and fosters collective healing. Sharing stories and experiences transforms grief and hardship into hope and action.
Acadia’s Commitment to Caregivers
At Acadia, supporting caregivers is both a personal responsibility and an organizational imperative. We are committed to:
- Elevating caregiver stories
- Creating spaces where lived experiences can be shared and understood
- Fostering a culture of empathy, flexibility, and mental health awareness
- Recognizing caregivers not only with words, but also with action
We are committed to cultivating communities where caregivers feel seen, supported, and uplifted. Together, we can ensure that no caregivers walk alone.
Additional resources
Author
Matt Trifilo
Senior Director, Rare Disease Medical Affairs, Acadia Pharmaceuticals