Connecting With Yourself and Other Caregivers

Even if you use a combination of caregiving strategies to help improve your loved one's quality of life, you may still feel guilty that you aren't doing enough. Or guilty that you get frustrated. Or guilty about having your own needs.

While these feelings are normal, they can prevent you from setting aside the time you need to take care of yourself. Try these steps to help yourself overcome guilty feelings¹:

• Acknowledge what you're feeling, no matter how unpleasant it seems
• Try to think about what's underneath your guilt. If you're feeling guilty that you're not doing enough, maybe you're setting unrealistic expectations for yourself
• Write your feelings down or talk with a friend

If you're feeling overwhelmed with guilt, consider: joining a support group.

It's not uncommon for caregivers to feel alone. You may not have a lot of time to spend with family and friends and they may not be able to fully understand what you are going through. Reaching out to family and friends is important, but support groups can also help.

You may find it a relief to talk to other people who can relate to what you are going through.

It also might help to bring some balance back to your life by spending time on hobbies you enjoy.

Carve out a few minutes every day to do something you used to do before you became a caregiver. Read a good book. Write in your journal. Or dust off those watercolor paints. It's important to continue pursuing the interests that nourish you.