Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly stressful. As a caregiver, it's important to take care of yourself and manage your own emotions. Here are some tips to help you cope with the frustration that comes with being a caregiver. Start by taking a break and enjoying a healthy snack with your loved one. This can help improve their ability to cope with the stress of being a caregiver.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to apologize and take some time for yourself. Find a space where you can express your negative feelings in a healthy way, such as screaming into a pillow or sipping a cup of tea or coffee. It's also important to regularly release any feelings of anger or resentment. Otherwise, you won't be able to give your best to others. If you find yourself becoming aggressive towards the person with dementia or others, this is a warning sign that you need help and may need to take time off from your responsibilities as a caregiver. The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) provides information on current social issues, public and care delivery policies, and assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers.
Through its National Caregiver Center, the FCA seeks to improve the quality of life of caregivers through education, services, research and advocacy. At the other end of the spectrum, unexpressed anger can sometimes cause depression in the caregiver, which can also be dangerous and affect their health and well-being. If you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
