(NC) The demands on a full-time or part-time caregiver can be great. And in many cases, seem never ending. Like everyone else, caregivers will experience a range of emotions in response to their roles, including the “negative” ones like anger or sadness.
“These emotions come from applying our ‘old’ pre-caregiving operating system to our new life as caregivers,” explains Donna Thomson, author, caregiver activist and speaker.
“Always wanting to ‘be’ in the past or in the future doesn’t work. Slowly, we can learn to build a new operating system of beliefs and values that match our caring life. Then, radical openness is possible and a sense of being at peace is within sight.”
When these emotions feel overwhelming, here are some tips:
- Accept and name them
When you can identify and understand your emotional responses, you can start to work through them in healthier ways.
- Review what you’re doing
While there may be activities you can’t drop, find something you can say no to and lessen your load.
- Talk to others
This can be a trusted friend or participants in an online support group. No one understands better than someone with lived experience.
- Find the funny
Use humour to help cope with a difficult situation. This doesn’t mean making fun of someone, but rather finding the humour in the situation.
- Find community resources
There are resources available such as seminars and support groups online.
Find more information on virtual programs and supports for caregivers at www.marchofdimes.ca/caregivers.
