Slovak Mother Describes Mental Health Crisis While Caring for Children with Disabilities

Eva Pálková, a Slovak mother raising three children including some with special needs, has shared her experience of severe mental health struggles while providing care at home. Pálková described hiding in a pantry during what felt like an avalanche of overwhelming pressure, explaining that she once believed herself physically and mentally resilient with an adventurous spirit. She noted the irony that her greatest challenge came not from extreme outdoor conditions she had imagined testing herself against, but within the confines of her own home. The case highlights the intense psychological pressures faced by parents caring for children with disabilities, who often sacrifice their own wellbeing while providing round-the-clock support. Pálková's testimony draws attention to the need for better support systems for families dealing with special needs care, as parents in such situations face heightened risks of burnout and mental health crises without adequate community and institutional backing.