While caring for a person in your family can be very rewarding, it also involves many stressors. And since caregiving is often a long-term challenge, the emotional impact can grow over time. You may face years or even decades of caregiving responsibilities. It can be particularly disheartening when there is no hope that your family member will get better or if, despite your best efforts, their condition is gradually deteriorating.
If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind – eventually leading to burnout. And when you get to that point, both you and the person you are caring for will have to suffer.
Taking care of yourself no luxury, it is a necessity. Cultivating your own emotional and physical well-being is just as important as making sure your family member gets to their doctor’s appointment or takes their medication on time.