Caregivers Support Group
A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...
Today I just had a massive meltdown. I have been under so much pressure lately with caring for my husband, my business, doctor appointments, hospital trips, and everything. Today was the first day in nearly 3 weeks where we actually had NO appointments. I think the thing that set me off today was that I had planned to get into the office early this morning and try to get a few hours of work in (my business is mostly run by my dedicated employees nowadays) before I ran some errands and went to the market. Well, no sooner than I had showered that my husband decided to come downstairs and then he started needing me for this and that, and I was soon more involved with his needs and care. Then a call to our medical insurance company for a question on a claim turned out to be a nightmare (they have had us on the wrong insurance for a year and I only found that out during the phone call) and we probably have paid hundreds more in medical bills than we were supposed to. So after that issue and taking care of my husband I finally got out of the house two hours later than I wanted to. Issues were happening at work and I just could not get the stuff done I needed to do because so many other things were going on. Then I went out to do some Christmas shopping so I can get gifts mailed out - and on the way home, I just broke down and cried. I am so frustrated, trying to run a business, take care of my husband, handle everything, realizing that I don't even have time to wash my bras (maybe I should just go braless....) or do any of the things i used to enjoy - photography or scrapbooking, etc. I feel like my business is suffering, I am stretched to the max, have no down time. The worst part is that when I came home I just verbally when balistic, and I vented, yelled and screamed (not at my husband), but he heard all my frustrations. Of course, then he felt guilty for being in the position he is in, unable to do much for himself. He can't drive anymore, has poor eyesight, etc) I felt bad, told him it is not his fault, but it's that we never have a normal day, I am sick of everything, the doctors, the dialysis, all the medical problems, how much I have to do everyday. I know he is appreciative of all I do. I can't even find the energy to go to the market (yeah, never got there today), am too worn out to cook anymore. After nearly 40 years of cooking meals, well, you know what I am talking about. We do got out to eat alot because i just am too worn out at the end of each day. I am just overwhelmed anymore, but I will be OK. Sorry for the long rant. It helps to vent you know. a good night's sleep will help too.
I hope after some rest you're feeling better today. Sometimes it takes more than just one rant......so please come back and vent more if need be. We're all here for you !
Sending a big cyber (((HUG))) to you, Gwen :-)
Many hugs, Gwen
I just listened to Dr. Wayne Dyer on PBS. He said something that resonated with me - here's a summary - He said that what we think about in those last five minutes before we fall asleep is what we "marinate in" the rest of the night. Normally we are thinking about all the things that went wrong during the day. Meaning our subconcious mind takes all this in.
Something to consider when we finally lay down at night - making a conscious effort to think positive thoughts before we go to sleep might help us get a more restful sleep. I've heard of him before but haven't read his books. Might be helpful....
I just listened to Dr. Wayne Dyer on PBS. He said something that resonated with me - here's a summary - He said that what we think about in those last five minutes before we fall asleep is what we "marinate in" the rest of the night. Normally we are thinking about all the things that went wrong during the day. Meaning our subconcious mind takes all this in.
Something to consider when we finally lay down at night - making a conscious effort to think positive thoughts before we go to sleep might help us get a more restful sleep. I've heard of him before but haven't read his books. Might be helpful....
now with that being said it also hit me that i needed a break. i was tired. the next day i told my husband about my actions and although i could not leave the house, i took my cell phone, lay my husband's cell phone close and told him i was going to be working outside for the day. if he needed me to call.
i worked in a way i like to work. i raked leaves, burned brush and i guess i grieved?? something would cross my mind that had hurt me that i had held in and i would cry. i would then get through one cry and allow myself another thing that i had held in and would cry some more. i prayed a lot to. when i pray i always cry because it touches my heart to make that connection.
i got more that i aimed for done but i did it at my pace.. boy did i sleep that night. i was tired but i also felt lighter inside, better, because i allowed so many bottled up emotions out.