I’ve met many people who have been providing care for years without realizing they’re actually a caregiver. What often occurs is that the caregiving challenge slowly increases over time until one day you realize, “Wow, I’m devoting all of my energy toward caregiving, and I need help.” If you are focusing any of your thoughts, energies, and talents on the well-being and condition of an elder loved one in need, you are a caregiver.

You’re only doing what you think you should do, but you might not realize it’s taking a heavy toll on you. You’re so outwardly focused that you don’t look inward to see that you’re becoming emotionally, physically, and spiritually deprived. The needs of your elder loved one keep increasing while your energy is waning.

Many caregivers deal with the added stress and pressure by smoking, drinking, gaining/losing weight, sleeping less/more. It’s quite obvious when the personal patterns change in an unhealthy direction, and many caregivers fray at the edges. Jobs are affected, and caregiving can take a dramatic toll on family life, too.

So admit that you’re a caregiver and take care of yourself starting today. The danger in not realizing you’re a caregiver is that you don’t pay enough attention to your own needs. You’re too busy being a caregiver to take care of yourself. I’ve seen many caregivers wither under the stain of the role, and some actually pass away before their elder loved one. . So take a step back, assess your situation, and directly admit that you need help. Know your limitations and save energy for yourself. Finally, I highly recommend reaching out to other relatives and friends for support.

Are you a caregiver in need of support? Join AGIS.com’s online forums today and connect with other family caregivers.

Resources from AGIS.com:
Caregiver Kit
I’m a Caregiver and Need Help
Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers

Filed under: Caregiving, Doctor Marion