Dear Local Guides,
Caring for a loved one in the hospital is an act of deep dedication and love. However, extended stays in medical environments can silently trigger intense emotional exhaustion—often known as Caregiver Burnout. Recently, during a prolonged medical emergency with my father, I found myself facing this exact challenge.
My father was hospitalized for a full month at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, and I stayed by his side as his primary caregiver for 15 to 16 consecutive days. The hospital was constantly crowded, and witnessing the pain of so many patients in a high-stress environment eventually took a heavy toll on my mental well-being. Over time, symptoms of depression and anxiety began to set in—I felt a constant tightness in my chest, restlessness, and a suffocating urge to step away. I desperately needed a breath of fresh air and a moment of peace.
In that overwhelming moment, I decided to leverage technology to support my mental health and turned to Ask Maps on Google Maps for a quick retreat.
My Instructions to Ask Maps:
“I am feeling down right now and need to spend some time in nature—perhaps along a riverbank, taking a boat ride, or visiting a museum. I need to be back at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital by 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.”
Bengali Direction
“আমার এই মুহূর্তে মন খারাপ, আমি একটু প্রকৃতির সাথে থাকতে চাচ্ছি যেমন নদীর পারে, নৌকা দিয়ে একটু ঘোরাঘুরি করা অথবা একটি জাদুঘর পরিদর্শন করা। আমি সন্ধ্যা ৬-৭টার মধ্যে আবারও ময়মনসিংহ মেডিকেল কলেজ হাসপাতালে চলে আসবো।”
The Recommendation:
“Google Maps suggested that the cool breeze of the Brahmaputra River and a few historical spots would help relieve my fatigue, reassuring me that I could easily return within my timeframe”. It curated four ideal destinations to calm my mind:
- Circuit House Park/Grounds
- Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Park
- Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala (Museum)
- Shashi Lodge, Mymensingh
Putting the Plan into Action:
I immediately took an auto-rickshaw from Charpara Intersection directly to Circuit House Park. Dropped off at a quiet corner of the grounds, I walked down a pleasant path toward the riverfront. The field was alive with activity—hundreds of athletes, students, and families playing Football 
and Cricket. I sat under a flowering tree to watch them play. Taking deep breaths beneath a large Kadam tree while looking up at the open sky quickly eased my panic and restlessness.
Next, I walked over to Zainul Abedin Park, which stretches gracefully along the bank of the Brahmaputra River. Small traditional dinghy boats with colorful sails 
floated on the river, carrying visitors along the water. I sat under a grand Shimul tree facing the river. The gentle, cool breeze sweeping off the Brahmaputra melted away my physical exhaustion and racing heart. Watching the birds gather, children laughing, local vendors selling snacks, and boatmen rowing through the water brought my anxiety down to almost zero. Observing these simple moments restored my inner stillness.
I wrote a review after observing it closely.
Afterward, I visited the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala. Immersing myself in the master painter’s artwork—which vividly captures rural life, history, and human resilience—offered me a profound sense of perspective and quiet reflection.
On my way back, I spent a few more moments enjoying the surrounding campus, took some Photographs, and added them to Google Maps. I also shared a Review reflecting my genuine feelings from the experience. After topping off my short journey with a hot cup of milk tea at a local stall, I returned to the hospital feeling completely recharged and ready to support my father.
A Message to My Fellow Local Guides:
Many of us view Google Maps simply as a navigation tool for getting from point A to point B. But on that day, it proved to be a compassionate companion that guided me toward mental healing. To anyone going through a challenging season, experiencing caregiver burnout, or dealing with anxiety: please prioritize your mental health. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or isolated, let Google Maps help you find a peaceful corner in nature to pause, breathe, and heal.
Warm regards,
Md. Khokon Sharker
Local Guide, Bangladesh
#MentalHealth #AskMaps
