Caring for yourself while caring for others
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/caring-for-yourself-while-caring-for-othersSadly, I'm also recognizing that as a man pushing 50, I'm not very good at asking for help. I don't. I'm also not good at maintaining strong social ties. Both of these are things I hope to get better at. It sounds so easy, but I struggle with both. Especially while managing the ups and downs of my mental health and taking care of my father.
That said, I'm very grateful that none of this triggered a relapse of my drinking. That would not be good. For the most part, I use meditation and exercise to hold myself together.
Sharing this doesn't excite me, but maybe there are other caregivers out there that feel the same way. And for those of you with children, please plan for how you're going to handle your late life care.
> It’s common to experience a wide range of emotions as a caregiver. You might feel frustrated, sad, resentful, joyful—all in the same day or even in the same hour! These feelings are a normal part of the caregiving experience, and it’s okay to express them.
I think this one is the most important and it extends to everyone, not just people in a caregiving role.
Be able to forgive yourself. Past mistakes, things you said, or did. All the the showerthoughts that make you cringe up. Don't be so hard on yourself. Forgive.