This can happen in any family. Human beings are fragile, and at least we expect a very close loved one, we could have an accident or develop a debilitating, temporary or permanent disease, and we would be in charge of their care. can demand our attention and help us overnight.
It is always desirable that a sick person be accompanied by someone from his affective circle and it is wonderful when there is that possibility, however, we must also recognize that, for those who assume this responsibility, it can be a great challenge, in which life takes a turn that changes our routine, suddenly taking us out of our comfort zone.
One of the aspects of being a caregiver is not forgetting our own physical and emotional needs.
Victor Frankl, the surviving psychiatrist of the horrible Nazi Holocaust, said what can’t even life’s most terrible circumstances take away from us?This means that while we don’t always understand it, we really have the freedom to choose, we’re going to do with what life holds for us.
At first, an unexpected and painful situation has an impact, as well as confusion and shock, and makes sense, because there are many new things we must learn to handle: the routine, limitations and emotional disorder we feel when seeing our beloved in these conditions.
However, once the initial confusion and established the new routine has been overcome, it is time to define our existential attitude. What options do we have?
? Not accepting the situation involves feelings of anger, frustration, sadness and helplessness, although it is human to feel oppressed and resist a setback, if this attitude of resistance persists over time, the result is chronic stress and emotional exhaustion, which will affect our health and our ability to care for others.
? Accepting the situation as a moral obligation would be a superficial acceptance, in two, since we would be divided between love and duty, and that would involve taking on the task without enthusiasm or heart, so that we do ourselves no favor. the person in our care.
? Accepting the situation as an opportunity for us to grow and grow stronger would be the wisest attitude, which would help us ease burdens and maintain our spirits, if we manage, despite the difficult situation, to maintain inner harmony, we can radiate this state to our loved one and thus we will both benefit.
It is not uncommon for a caregiver, immersed in his role of caring for his loved one, to neglect and reach a dangerous level of physical, emotional or both exhaustion. There are some keys to preventing wear and tear from continuing to do our duty as caregivers:
? Recognize our limitations: to understand that we cannot do everything and that we are human.
? Seek material and emotional help, if necessary, from our family or friends, either by asking them to replace us to care for the sick, or to help us in certain tasks such as making the purchase or providing us with what we need. From an emotional point of view, we often need “wind” with someone who listens sympathetically or just distracts us and makes us laugh.
? Surround yourself with a team of competent professionals, such as trusted doctors, nurses and therapists, who have human qualities, so that the loved one is in good hands.
? The search for psychological support is a good option, because it gives us an objective space to vent our emotions and reflect on the meaning of what is happening to us.
? Rediscover spirituality, whatever our beliefs, as a source of inspiration and transcendence that will help us overcome difficult times, make sense of the situation, and constantly renew ourselves.
Nothing happens because it is; we have to learn from every situation we face and who knows? In short, we can find a great life lesson by placing ourselves in the role of caregivers: not only to dedicate ourselves to caring for others, but also to learn to take care of ourselves. .
Image courtesy of Rosie O? Beirne