If you’re not paying attention to your own emotional health, who is? When you’re a caregiver, you’re balancing your own needs with your loved one’s needs. Here are some red flags you need to watch for as a caregiver.
You Have More Bad Days than Good Days
It’s normal to have a bad day now and again, everyone does, after all. But if you’re having a tough time remembering the last time you had a good day, that’s a bad sign. It’s also a bad sign if you have more bad days in a week than you have good ones. This can be an indication that you’re overwhelmed and that your life is getting away from you.
You’re Always Exhausted and Nothing Refreshes You
Maybe you finally took everyone at their word and hired some elderly care providers to spell you for a while with your elderly loved one. When you came back, were you still tired? If so, that’s not a good sign. This can be an indication that you need a longer break or that you’re dealing with the beginning stages of burnout.
You’re Having a Tough Time Caring
Caregiving means that you’re deep in the trenches, giving constantly to your elderly loved one. When you’re suddenly having a difficult time caring, though, that means that you’ve been pouring out so much emotionally that you don’t have anything left. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You have to have people and activities in your life that refresh you and that fill your cup again so that you can keep on caring.
You Feel Like No One Appreciates Anything You Do
There can come a time when you start to feel that no matter what you do, it doesn’t matter and no one appreciates it, anyway. This can be a dangerous time because this is often your perception. That doesn’t mean you’re wrong, but you’re not feeling appreciated and that can be the same thing. The problem is that you’re going to have to show yourself appreciation for all that you do if appreciation is really important to you. Your loved one and other family members may not ever be able to meet that need for you.
If you’re seeing more than one of these signs, you may want to talk to your doctor or to a therapist that you trust. They can help you to find a solution that can keep you healthy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Newton MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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