WE ARE ALL CAREGIVERS
As parents, friends, neighbors, and pet owners ourselves, we understand the importance of helping those in need. Maybe it is helping someone who is “just short” at the checkout stand or the person with the flat tire on the side of the road. Whether we are assisting someone with a one-off event or providing ongoing support for those dealing with a temporary setback, chronic illness, an extended treatment, or recovery plan, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to provide meaningful assistance.
As a parent, sibling, business owner, or spiritual leader, you may be struggling with caring for a loved one who requires extra support and resources. Whether you are dealing with a mental illness or another condition that requires caregiving, it can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. How can you continue to be of service when you are juggling all the responsibilities and facets of your own life? It can be rough, and we want to honor those who are currently providing care for another.
To help you navigate this demanding situation, here are some resources and suggestions:
- First and foremost, remember that you are not alone in this struggle. There are millions of other caregivers in the US who can relate to what you are going through and offer support and understanding. There are over fifty-three million Americans who are unpaid caregivers to family, friends, and neighbors. According to Mental Health America 27% of adult caregivers are helping someone with mental illness. This means that you or someone you know in your close circle is a caregiver.
- Take care of yourself first. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and find a way to get physical movement either through exercise, playing a sport, or simply going for a daily walk. This will make you stronger and better equipped to provide the care your loved one needs.
- Be proactive about seeking out resources and support, whether that means reaching out to other caregivers for advice or connecting with healthcare providers and professionals who can assist you. Not only is it okay, but necessary to ask for help when you need it. It may mean seeking out respite care, finding a support group, counselor or other assistance as needed. With the right support and resources, you can succeed in your caregiving journey.
- The key to understanding short or long-term care is education. Education leads to awareness and awareness leads to your ability to recognize and set limits or boundaries so that you can remain healthy and stay strong. Knowing what you are facing and how to operate within this paradigm will provide the best possible outcomes for you AND the person you are supporting.
***Bonus Resource: Mental Health America has a fantastic “Caregivers Guide” to help you navigate your caregiving role so that you don’t wind up needing a caregiver of your own because of exhaustion and frustration. Although their area of expertise is mental health, the information is universally applicable to ANY recovery – which always includes a mental health component.
You can find the guide here: https://mhanational.org/caregivers/caregivers-guide
As always, we are here to support you and love you just as you are. Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions or need assistance with any aspect of your life. We are here to be YOUR caregiver.
