Taking care of an ailing loved one is a very noble act of love and kindness, and it’s one that at least a third of the population deals with. Whether you have a chronically ill partner, aging parent, elderly relative recently discharged from the hospital, or a disabled or severely mentally ill child, being in charge of their day-to-day care comes with a horde of challenges that many people struggle to cope with.
Many people in this position struggle with caregiver stress because they are carrying a lot on their shoulders and just trying to do their best. Here are a few ways to deal with this stress.
Don’t Ignore the Negative Emotions
Taking care of someone you love in their time of need is a huge act of love and service, but it can also be hard on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. In many cases, it involves taking care of their basic needs, which can be a round-the-clock requirement. From feeding, bathing, and providing medication, a lot is required of a primary caregiver. It would be unrealistic not to have difficult and negative emotions about the situation.
Some people feel like they have lost parts of their identity and may feel depressed about what’s going on; in some cases, this can escalate to resenting the ailing loved one. It’s important to be aware of and deal with these negative emotions so they don’t build up and become a bigger problem. You’re not bad for mourning the life you had before your family member became ill, and the more honest you are with yourself, the less stress you will have.
Get Emotional Support
With any huge event or situation in our lives, being a primary caregiver tends to be more stressful when you feel isolated and alone in your challenge. It’s really important not to shut yourself in or alienate yourself from your support system. Getting some emotional support in your corner lightens the load, provides people who can listen to you, and gives you a collective shoulder to cry on.
There are many ways to get that support, but the first thing to consider is counseling or therapy with someone with experience with caregivers. This will help you cope with the emotions and communicate more effectively. You can also join communities of people in the same situation so that you can lean into their experience and knowledge.
Get Help
You don’t have to walk the path of being a caregiver alone – many professionals can assist you and your loved ones. A healthcare services agency can point you to the people who can help in your area. You can be paired with a professional caregiver equipped to deal with your particular circumstances. These people have the knowledge and experience to know exactly what to do, and you’ll know that your relative is in great hands.
Don’t Neglect Yourself
While you want to be the best caregiver, you also have to realize that being at your best requires taking care of yourself. When most of your time is focused on caring for someone who really needs you, it’s easy to put yourself on the back burner. One of the biggest causes of caregiver stress is self-neglect, and you can end up completely forgetting about your own interests or even your own mental health. ing
The last thing you want to do is pour from an empty cup and operate from a place of burnout and near-depletion. Make sure you’re making time for yourself to rest, decompress and focus on yourself. It can be as small as sleeping in on the weekend, watching a movie with a glass of wine, or going out with friends once in a while. It will allow you to recharge and avoid many caregivers’ frustration.
It’s thought that up to a third of the world’s population is in the position of caregiver, so you’re definitely not alone if this is your reality. Whether you’re caring for a parent or a child, this role is rewarding and stressful. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate stress and make the situation easier. Remember, caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Make sure you equip yourself with the resources that help you feel less alone; they are available and plentiful.