How do I handle "caregiver" depression?!
Question: How do I handle "caregiver" depression.?
My wife has terminal cancer, getting progressively worse for 32 months.. I am the sole caregiver and lately find that I am falling into a dark depression. I love her very much and do not want to share the load. Any suggestions on how to "lighten" this load.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Hi Jim,
I'm sorry about your wife. There are different ways to treat depression. Although, I can't speak from your point of view, I've been in that "dark" spot before. Try these different things or combine some. Monitor your feelings in a book if you feel comfortable. A lot of these will be a release. Good luck and hope all is well with you and your wife.
1- Eat a healthy diet. Make sure breakfast is a part of your day.
2- Exercise. Take a ten minute walk around the neighborhood everyday. Or even doing some jumping jacks inside the house. Getting your heart rate up about 20 minutes a day will improve your body's health which in turn will help you feel better overall.
3- Think positively. This can be difficult, but a little reminder to yourself everyday will help. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you are great and you are amazing! Laugh a little or just smile. Endorphins are produced when you do this and can help you feel good throughout the day.
I hope this little bit helps. Talking to someone helps also (It helped me a lot). I pray that everything goes well. I know what low feels like and it seems like you'll never get out of it, but you will!!!
Good luck and God Bless!Health Question & Answer
I'm sorry about your wife. There are different ways to treat depression. Although, I can't speak from your point of view, I've been in that "dark" spot before. Try these different things or combine some. Monitor your feelings in a book if you feel comfortable. A lot of these will be a release. Good luck and hope all is well with you and your wife.
1- Eat a healthy diet. Make sure breakfast is a part of your day.
2- Exercise. Take a ten minute walk around the neighborhood everyday. Or even doing some jumping jacks inside the house. Getting your heart rate up about 20 minutes a day will improve your body's health which in turn will help you feel better overall.
3- Think positively. This can be difficult, but a little reminder to yourself everyday will help. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you are great and you are amazing! Laugh a little or just smile. Endorphins are produced when you do this and can help you feel good throughout the day.
I hope this little bit helps. Talking to someone helps also (It helped me a lot). I pray that everything goes well. I know what low feels like and it seems like you'll never get out of it, but you will!!!
Good luck and God Bless!Health Question & Answer
I am so sorry about your wife and applaud you for the devotion, love and care you are giving her during this terrible time. I was the caregiver for my grandmother at 19 yrs old and it was very hard-and I had some help. While I understand your desire to take care of her, I also understand the depression that goes with it. It is hard to watch a family member suffer. But you need help in taking care of her so that you can keep your strength up for her. Talk to her doctor about maybe getting some home health aid to come in once or twice a week for a few hours to sit with her. Ask about hospice care. Talk to one of your neighbors or friends and see if they could sit with her for 30 minutes while you take a short walk. Your wife knows you love her and appreciates all you are doing, but she will worry about you taking care of yourself too. Trust me, I know. Above all know you are not alone and many of us are thinking of you.Health Question & Answer
It can be hard when a loved one is dying, and there is no way to control it. You're empathetic, which is wonderful, but it can also be a burden. It is hard not to feel sad in times like these, but remember that your wife wants to see you happy with the limited time she has. Health Question & Answer