Taking the role of primary caregiver to a person who can not take care of themselves is a huge business, and there are few who are prepared for the impact it can have on their physical and emotional well-being.
If the care recipient has an incurable disease like mesothelioma, there is the added stress of knowing that they are not going to get better, which intensifies the emotions
emotions and other issues
emotions are what we feel, including :. love, hate, anger, joy, fear and pain. Sometimes, especially in situations over which we have no control, many of our emotions can come together, and this can lead us to feel overwhelmed.
Here are some of the emotions and problems that you may encounter as you take care of your loved one with mesothelioma, and some useful tips that can help you deal with them:
Refused
When a loved one is given a terminal diagnosis, acceptance does not come easy and it is quite natural to think that the diagnosis can not be true.
Contrary to popular belief, denial can be a good thing regarding cancer diagnosis, as one of the primary defense mechanisms of the body and a natural way for people take their mind away from being a painful reality.
The denial mechanism is particularly useful when a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and a "time-out" is necessary to understand and accept it.
in most cases, refusal is only temporary, and in time, people find their way to cope with a cancer diagnosis.
Tips
- Allow yourself time to adjust to the situation in your own way.
- Focus on things you can do rather than what you can not.
- you might find useful to know more about the Internet mesothelioma so that you have an idea of what will happen in the future. While this may be upsetting, it does relieve the fear of the unknown.
Anger
When your life was turned upside down and someone you love is suffering, it may cause you to feel angry, which is perfectly understandable.
it is important to understand, however, that anger is a negative emotion and the person who hurts the most is that you .
Tip
No matter how you may feel angry about something that happened, you can not go back in time to change it. You can, however, change your response acknowledging your injury, then let it go.
Letting go of anger also prevents you from taking on the ones you like best. Ultimately, when anger is pulling you down, you will feel a wonderful sense of relief.
Isolation
Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma, especially as the disease progresses, is a full -time job that requires a lot of time and energy. You may find that you do not participate in any activities outside the home, or spend time with friends.
Tips
If it is possible for you to be away from your home, try to arrange a time, at least once or twice a week, for a friend to come visit. On these occasions, try to do something that brings you pleasure. Here are some things you could try: ..
- a new game of Scrabble or cards
- Do a puzzle together
- Make popcorn and sat down to watch a funny movie. There is nothing like healing like a good laugh.
- Have a good old chat about current affairs or what happens in the neighborhood. This is a great way to take your mind off cancer for some time.
- Have a cooking day.
Depression
It is impossible not to be deeply affected when you are caring for a loved one with an incurable disease like mesothelioma. This can cause anger, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, poor concentration and low energy.
These symptoms are often classified as depression, but can also be caused by anticipatory grief. When someone you love is dying, there is very little difference between the two.
Tips
One way to deal with your emotions is to give voice to them by recognizing and bringing some peace to your mind. This can be achieved by talking to a friend about your feelings or keep a diary and make a note of how you feel each day.
However, if your feelings are overwhelm you to the point where they interfere with your ability to cope, it may be advisable to seek professional help.
apprehension
Not knowing what to expect as the disease progresses your close can make you feel very worried and fearful of what each day will bring. This can be mitigated in several ways.
Tips
- Talk to the doctor who cares for your loved one and asking them to clarify things for you.
- Find information on the different stages of mesothelioma so that you can be ready for what happens next. If you find that there are things that you do not understand, write them down and ask the doctor about them at your next visit.
- Find a group of specific support to mesothelioma. Talking to someone who understands what you are experiencing can bring immense relief.
emotional exhaustion
When a loved one becomes chronically ill and can no longer fulfill their role in a relationship, the person taking care of them often takes all responsibility for the management of the household. This, together with the new responsibility of providing constant care to their loved ones, can cause exhaustion.
Tips
- It is important to remember that you should not do on your own. If possible, ask a family member to share the load. This will alleviate your emotional stress and also help you to take care of your physical health.
- Try to take small breaks during the day, even if it is to sit outside in the garden. Take in the sounds, smells and activity of insects and birds around you can be very relaxing.
Insomnia
Good sleep is a necessity for good health, but it can seem almost impossible when you are caring for someone who is chronically ill. If the drug is to be administered during the night or if your loved one needs help going to the bathroom, sleep can be broken, and this can lead to fatigue and worsened the next day.
Tips
- Try to nap during the day when your loved one is sleeping. If they do not sleep during the day, explain that you need to sleep and ask them to allow time for you to do it every day. Ask that you will not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary.
- Laying down with a good book helps often let you go to sleep. If you are concerned nap for too long, set the alarm to allow at least a few hours if possible.
emotional overload
No matter how you deal with the emotional strain of caring for a loved one with mesothelioma, there will of course be times when you feel really fragile. In these moments, the slightest thing can make you cry.
Tips
- It is important to understand that you do not have to be strong all the time.
- Let tears flow. It is how to recognize the pain and the pain you are experiencing in your body, and your tears will bring a measure of relief.
concentration Problems
When you are responsible for the health of another, there is so much to do and so much to think that the mind can become overwhelmed . Therefore, it becomes difficult to focus on anything for any length of time.
Tip
Write a list of things that need to be attended to is a great way to free the mind constantly rehashing things that must be done.
List each task in order of importance also helps, and it is often possible to put a number of tasks off until another day.
Make a habit of checking every chore it is completed. This will bring you a sense of accomplishment and relief.
Health Issues
When you focus on someone else's well-being rather than your own, it often means that you focus on your own physical and emotional needs. This can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure.
Tips
- Make sure you eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Remember to drink water to stay hydrated.
- Try to get some exercise whenever you can. If unable to exercise away from home, try a brisk walk around your backyard or jogging in place. Anything that gets your blood flowing will be good for you, and it will also make you feel much better.
- Consult your doctor on a regular basis to make sure your health is cared for.
- Know that you do your best and be proud of what you do.
- Give yourself a hug. You deserve it!
Take care.
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