charge so that
you can remain strong to continue to support both your patient and yourself. You
cannot do both, not all the time anyway.
Guy, Wendy's Husband, knows this all too well and offers his views - "Caring
for Wendy, working, looking after the children and the housework all take a lot
of your energy everyday. Somedays you feel as though you have nothing left not
even for yourself. This is when you can start on the slippery slope to problems.
These may be simple to put right by making some changes quickly as soon as you
recognise them. The dangers come if you ignore them and then moods, tiredness,
lethargy and even depression can set in. Then you are no help to anyone"
Simple things like getting away from the house just for an hour or so can
release tension and give you some time to do your own "thinking" and get the
situation into perspective.
Also talking to someone outside of the family will assist no end, someone who
is not emotionally attached and who can see more clearly what's happening behind
your closed doors at home just by listening to what you are saying. This can be
a colleague; friend or you may want to take professional help with counselling.
It all depends on what helps, as simple as that, but whatever you choose make
sure do not find yourself saying " yes, I'm fine no problem" to everyone who
asks. You are turning down offers of help"
Here are some more simple ideas to take the strain off you as a supporter
is.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water.
- Ask family and friends to cook you some meals and freeze them. Nothing
beats less cooking at times of stress!
- If you do cook for yourselves, batch cook big portions and freeze them.
That way you will always have "something in"
- Try to take a relax period each day. Even 10 minutes is good for you.
- Try some exercise, a walk, do the garden or may be some DIY. This occupies
your mind.
- Try and identify negative drains on your energy and don't create false
deadlines for yourself and then try to attain them. Give yourself some space.
- Try something new, go to a football match - Guy found watching a good game
of Rugby live very therapeutic!
- Be with others in the same situation as you (group work) they will
empathise with you.
- Get yourself some good multi-vitamins and stick to taking them - buy 12
months supply, don't run out.
- If you can afford it get some help with the housework. If not can the
neighbours or friends help?
- Go on an organised course about how to cope.
ves. 