What Causes so Much Stress as a Caregiver?
It’s no secret that being a caregiver can mean that you’re dealing with a lot more stress than you would if you weren’t caring for someone else. But understanding why that is true might help you to manage your stress much more effectively.
Elder Care in Orem UT: Caregiver Stress
Feeling as if You Have No Choice
When you don’t feel as if it’s your decision to be a caregiver, then those duties are going to add more stress to your daily life. You might even start to feel resentful about having to be a caregiver. Finding extra help can be the key to letting some of these resentments go about not being able to choose your status as a caregiver.
How Well You Get Along with Your Aging Adult
If you and your senior don’t have a good relationship, it’s going to be extremely difficult for you to get along well as you’re trying to help her. You can love someone and want to help them and still have a difficult relationship. But those feelings make being a caregiver tougher than it has to be. Stepping away periodically can help you to manage those feelings.
Having Strong Coping Mechanisms
The stronger that your personal coping mechanisms are, the better you’ll be able to manage even the most intensely stressful situations. Healthy coping mechanisms could include:
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating healthy foods
- Talking to people about how you’re feeling
- Taking a break when you need to rest
- Replacing less healthy coping mechanisms with more of the healthy versions can help you to get a handle on your stress.
- Lacking a Personal Support System
Caregivers need a strong support system in order to deal with daily and recurrent stress.
Reach out to friends and family members as a normal course of daily contact. You may also want to consider joining a support group for caregivers. Talking to others who are in the same situation you’re in can help you to learn new ways to cope with stress as it pops up.
Learning to recognize what is causing stress for you is what will help you to find the right solutions for your situation. When you know what the problem is, you can start taking action.
Are you or a loved one considering Elder Care in Orem, UT? Please talk to the friendly staff at December Rose Senior Care at Home. Providing Home Care in Highland, Utah and Surrounding Communities. 801-427-ROSE (7673)
In their spare time, Alan and Stephanie are all about family and enjoy So. California beach vacations, watching their children’s sporting events, reading, participating in church and community activities, watching favorite shows together, participating in Boy Scouts, running and yoga.
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