Dear Abby

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 48-year-old single man who comes from a close-knit family of four. For several years, I’ve been the full-time caregiver for my disabled nephew. I care for him around the clock, every day of the year, and while it’s a big responsibility, I genuinely love him and don’t resent my role.

I have Type 2 diabetes, so I take my health seriously. I watch what I eat, stay active by walking a mile or two every other day, keep my doctor’s appointments, and do everything I can to stay healthy for both myself and my family.

Lately, though, I’ve been feeling unusually sluggish and emotionally “flat.” It’s not exactly depression, and I don’t have angry outbursts or symptoms of PTSD. I simply feel as though I’ve lost my spark. It’s almost as if life has shifted into slow motion, and I can’t figure out why.

I’ve never been married and don’t have children of my own, so I don’t know if what I’m experiencing is a midlife crisis, caregiver burnout, or something entirely different.

Has anyone else experienced this? More importantly, where do I go from here?

— NOT MYSELF IN NEW MEXICO