The stress of caring for a loved one can get you down, so you have to be smart and stop it from overwhelming you. Here are a few ways to do deal with stress.
Here are a few practical things you can do:
- Make lists: Getting organized is the key to dealing with stress. Write down what needs to get done, and do them one at a time. It takes the worry and anxiety out of your caregiving.
- Ask for help: You're not the only one who can take care of your parent or relative, but you have family and friends who can help. Don't be too proud to ask for help, even if asking makes you feel guilty. You can't let that guilt stop you from getting the help you need!
- Exercise: If you need to deal with stress, exercise is one of the keys. The exercise-induced rush of adrenaline will help to lower cortisol in your body, and the neurochemicals released during exercise will make you feel much happier.
- Set limits: You can only answer the phone, go shopping, or visit your family member between certain hours of the day, so make it clear in your mind and theirs that you're only available between certain hours. Unless it's an emergency, stick to those limits.
Dealing With the Emotional Burden
The emotional burden of caring for a loved one can be just as taxing as, if not more than, the physical burden. Bearing it can be tough, but here are a few things you can do:
- Join a support group: Emotional support from others going through the same thing can make a world of difference!
- Express your feelings: Talk to your husband or wife, your friends, or even your parents if you feel stressed or overwhelmed. You have to express your feelings, or else they'll accumulate until you explode.
- Take time off: You need time to just unwind and take the pressure off, so make sure that you take some ‘me’ time. It will help you clear your head, remove the pressure of guilt and worry, and give you a break.
- Talk to a therapist: If you need help dealing with the emotional strain of caring for an elderly loved one, a therapist or psychologist can be a huge help. They'll help you understand why you feel the way you do, where the emotions are coming from, and how to deal with them.
Is it Harming Your Life?
If the strain of caring for an elderly loved one becomes too much, it can actually harm you – both physically and emotionally. You need to recognize the signs that you're getting overwhelmed:
- Moodiness, anger, or excessive sadness
- Social withdrawal
- Change in eating habits, leading to weight gain or loss
- Fatigue, insomnia, and exhaustion
- Difficulty in concentration and focus
- Irritability
- A feeling of overwhelming dread or hopelessness
- Depression
- Headaches, recurring colds, and stomach aches.
If you're experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, your caring for your loved one could be doing more harm than good. It may be time to look into support services to help carry the burden.
Support Services
There are many support services available to assist caregivers for the elderly. The federal government website My Aged Care is a good starting point to find the information you need.
