There is nothing like talking to another caregiver. No one understands what caregivers go through like other caregivers.
When I was taking care of Mom and Dad, the most valuable things I heard came from other caregivers I had reached out to. Once I was distraught beyond words in the midst of a panic attack and I called a tried and true Caregiver Warrior. I was told in no uncertain terms I had Caregiver Burnout and was given instructions to immediately take a break! I was able to do so and my panic and anxiety reduced dramatically. At the time I wasn’t even aware of my state of mind, body, and soul but she nailed it in 2 minutes flat, probably after my first sentence.
Other Caregivers gave me great advice!
The second big piece of advice came during my weekly conversations with another Caregiver Warrior who imparted a cardinal rule of caregiving which I have used over and over and actually put in my forthcoming book. She told me that nothing you worry about happens. Nothing. Other s$#t happens, but none of the things you worry about. I look back on all my caregiving journeys and have found his to be absolutely true. Nothing I worried about happened. Best advice ever!
Luckily for me, both of these conversations happened early in my caregiving journey and I got the message loud and clear. Other caregivers understand exactly what I’m going through, have been there before me, and can share great words of wisdom. So often I would feel like I was so out of sorts, didn’t know why and felt like I was losing my mind, but by sharing my feelings with other caregivers I found great relief. They were also able to calm me down and make me feel like I wasn’t alone or crazy!
Reach out to other Caregivers!
Socialization and community are key factors in successfully surviving the intensity and challenges of caregiving. Reaching out for help makes all the difference to those of us who care for others. Keeping up an ongoing conversation with other caregivers is one of the smartest things we can do not only for ourselves but for the other caregivers! I was able to help my Caregiver Warrior friends at times because I would experience situations they were just walking into and I could pass the torch on to them.
The greatest gift we can receive as we care for others is the understanding, concern, and support from people who get us. It’s one thing to have someone from the outside give us advice or tell us it’s going to be OK, it’s another when caregiver tells us they have been through the same thing and survived. No one hears me like another caregiver. I will be forever indebted to my caregiver Warrior brothers and sisters. I would never have made it without them.
Find your Caregiver Soulmate!
So find your soul mates out there. Check the local church groups, Alzheimer’s organization, city state and federal organizations, family, and friends. There are so many of us that are now caregiving. Take advantage of this vast and supportive group of people and make sure you check in with them regularly. You will help each other more than you will ever realize. Your safety net is out there waiting.
By: Susanne
Source: https://www.caregiverwarrior.com/why-caregivers-need-to-talk-to-other-caregivers/