Support for Caregivers
It’s difficult, draining work.
Caring for someone can feel like all the energy is being drained out of you. It brings up feelings of guilt, shame, and a sense of losing yourself. Caregiving takes away time from other responsibilities to focus on support, maintenance, upkeep with daily personal tasks, and hygiene.
You begin to notice there’s no time for self-care and begin neglecting your own emotional, spiritual, and physical health. It can be extremely tiring and frustrating. Some days, caregivers feel like they’re barely keeping their head above water. There’s just no relief.
The demands start to overwhelm you, leading to fatigue, hopelessness, and burnout. This is called “compassion fatigue.” You start to take on the stressful feelings of a person in your care.
All you want to do is help, but you end up hurting yourself.
But you keep pushing, providing, and caring.
It’s probably what your family’s always done – what you’ve always seen from your parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles taking care of each other when they couldn’t take care of themselves.
Cooking meals, dishes, cleaning, repeat…
The tasks and responsibilities continue: driving to doctor appointments, paying bills, assisting with personal care…
What you wouldn’t give for a break! Let’s face it: You have needs, too! And when they go unmet…
It’s easy to become overwhelmed and resentful… which can turn into bitterness and anger.
Professional counseling can provide invaluable support.
Your unwavering faith has helped you stay grounded. As you face these challenges, you’ve drawn strength from the knowledge that God is fighting these battles with you.
But you need more. A professional therapist equips you with practical coping strategies to help you preserve your boundaries and manage your time and effort more effectively.
I’ll also help you incorporate into your routine all the things you know you need but never seem to have enough time for – things like exercise, prayer, Bible study, socializing with other caregivers, relaxation, and assistance from medical caregivers.
In therapy, you’ll learn to take a deep breath and COPE.
Keep your light burning!
You don’t have to prove that you’re a hero by taking on more than you can handle.
If you’re tired, grumpy, and “over” the stress, let’s restore you to your naturally good-natured, intentional self.
It’s time to release the tension and face each day with the confidence that comes with knowing all things are possible through God.
Call me at (229) 200-3675 to schedule a free consultation. You’ll be glad you did!