Many times there are not enough insurance or financial resources to get outside help. We have to assess the situation, marshal the needed resources, and decide on a course of action. There may be other family and friends who do not have the time or resources to help. Sometimes families do not have the stamina or personality to deal with a life crisis, and we become the one. 

Some of us take on all of the challenges and offer needed care without taking anything off our plate. We let go of our goals and needs. We sacrifice for what we think are the pressing needs of others. If we are not careful, we lose ourselves and can become physically or emotionally exhausted. Self-care is an opportunity to restore and to get support from others.