Emotions
Emotions
Taking care of a person with an illness or disability for whom you care can stir up some complicated emotions.
There are no feelings you “should” or “shouldn’t” have. Emotions just arise whether you want them to or not.
Find out how to deal with them on the following slides!
Anger and resentment
Caregiving stress can set off your anger and you might lose your temper or shout something that you normally wouldn’t.
What you can do:
Make an effort to forgive yourself and step away if you need to or take a few breaths to center yourself.
Source: https://www.dreamstime.com
Fear and anxiety
You list of concerns may be long…“What if I’m not around when something goes wrong? What if I make a mistake?”
What you can do: avoid focusing on that and keep your attention on things you can control. As an example, make a backup plan for when you can’t be around.
Grief
When a loved one gets sick, the disease changes this person you know so well, which also affects your relationship.
What you can do: You may need to grieve. Cry or use another way you know your body can use to release that pressure.
Guilt
This is a very common emotion for caregivers. Feeling that you are not doing enough, that you should be better,…
What you can do: If you feel like you’re not doing enough, imagine if you weren’t there. You must focusing at the difference you make every day.
Source: https://www.dreamstime.com
Sadness and depression
Sadness is bound to pop up. Contrarily, if you think you might be depressed, ask for professional help.
What you can do: Search for a doctor or a therapist. Physical exercise and social activities are great ways to handle sadness and depression, since they help you to relieve stress, gives you energy, a better mood…