The Stress of Caregiving
Is like nothing else
Stress comes in many different forms, but one of the most unique forms is caregiving.
Not only are you already stressed about your loved one who needs care. But as a long term caregiver it takes an emotional, physical and spiritual toll.
To the point of almost losing a part of yourself when you’re a caregiver. And it’s not something we as society talk a lot about.
I remember when my Mom and I were doing a lot of caregiving for my grandparents. People would ask about my grandparents, which was lovely, but rarely anyone asked how I was doing.
And I’ll admit it hurt.
Even if I may not have been able to articulate how I was feeling, it would have been helpful to be acknowledged as an individual.
Because you already tend to feel like you can’t take time for yourself. And if you do, you feel guilty about it.
Having someone ask how I was doing, would have been so welcomed.
As a society we tend to be uncomfortable with things that are real instead of superficial. Truly caring about how others are doing is something which would be beneficial to all of us. Even if it is just listening, if you don’t know what to say. And saying. “I don’t know what to say” is better than nothing.
