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Caring for the Caregivers: Mental Health in Rare Disease
Across the United States, millions of families are navigating the complexities of rare disease. Behind many of these journeys is a caregiver coordinating appointments, advocating for access and care, balancing responsibilities at home and work, and carrying a significant emotional load.
Recognizing the toll these challenges can have on families, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease collaborated with caregivers and mental health professionals to develop More Than Rare, a three-part webinar series focused on patient and caregiver mental health.
Caregivers play a vital role in the rare disease community, yet the cumulative demands of day-to-day care, decision-making, and ongoing uncertainty can intensify stress over time. Many caregivers experience isolation and burnout as they navigate long and often unpredictable journeys. Centering on mental health is essential not only to caregiver wellbeing, but to sustaining families and supporting their ability to care for loved ones.
The More Than Rare series brings together caregiver perspectives and mental health expertise to share practical, evidence-informed approaches to wellbeing and to highlight resources caregivers can access today. The three conversations include:
- Managing Your Relationships, where loved ones come together to discuss the challenges of living with rare disease and the importance of support. The discussion explores ways to talk about mental health with friends, family members, partners, and children, and how to communicate with compassion when emotions run high.
- Finding Your Courage, which sheds light on the psychological burden of rare disease that is often overlooked. Caregivers and community members reflect on how to name what they are feeling, look inward, and take proactive steps to address mental health challenges.
- Reclaiming Your Power, focused on people living with rare disease and caregivers speaking up and taking an active role in their mental health. The conversation explores how to use personal experiences to advocate for support at home, within care settings, and in the broader community.
In addition to the webinar series, the More Than Rare website provides access to Patient Education Managers (PEMs), who support patients and caregivers in learning more about their disease through local and community education sessions and events.
This effort reflects Alexion’s ongoing commitment to supporting the rare disease community beyond medicine by listening to lived experiences, sharing insights, and connecting individuals with trusted resources. By recognizing the essential role caregivers play and prioritizing mental health, we can help strengthen resilience across families and communities.
We invite patients and caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals to watch, share, and explore the resources available on MoreThanRare.com. Additional support and information for caregivers and patients is also available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). If you or someone you know needs help, please consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or a local support service.
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