Are you taking care of a family member or friend and feeling drained or lost?
You never know when you might find yourself in charge of a loved one’s care. From aging to a catastrophic injury or sudden decline in health, caregiving can dramatically alter your life. Becoming a caregiver for someone you love can have a major impact on your life.
Health care needs increase with both age and disability, meaning there are often multiple activities that need to be taken care of, such as: making trips to the doctor and becoming a health care advocate; keeping track of medications and treatments; taking care of personal needs, housework, and errands; working to avert personal injuries; and ensuring there is a level of companionship and support provided for the person whom you have promised to provide care. The healthcare system can be confusing to negotiate in the best of times and therefore add a level of frustration and stress to an already demanding day filled with a mix of never-ending “to-do’s.” This is a tall order for the best of us, realizing that we all need to balance priorities and provide this same level of care and concern for ourselves if we are to continue. Research has shown that caregivers are more likely to suffer from caregiver burnout and depression than those who do not, a significant mental health issue. More times than not, caregivers feel guilty, are lonely and isolated, and don’t know how to reach out for help. All of these experiences further complicate the caregiver role.
As a caregiver should, you should consider doing the following things to avert further stress and strain:
- Take care of your own needs first
- Stay social and connected with others
- Remove the stress associated with medication management
- Spend quality time with the person you are caring for
- Consider respite care when you are tapped out
- Lean on others for support
- Evaluate if the care you provide is sustainable
After reading this, you might find yourself asking: “How is this ever going to happen with everything that I need to do? It is just one more thing that I’ll need to add to my already overloaded list of things to do.” The first step you can take to guarantee both your physical and mental health during this difficult time is to seek out help from a professional help of a counselor. Counseling can help you take care of yourself, help you better cope with the challenges you are facing, and help you assess the viability of your continued work as a caregiver.
I am someone who can help you sort out the specifics of your caregiving situation so that you can better manage your life and take care of yourself in the process.
