When people suffer from pain, illness, or dementia chronic pain, their world becomes smaller and smaller. They tend to turn inward and focus solely on their own illness, feelings, and needs. Rather than expressing appreciation for everything you do to help them, they tend to check out emotionally. 

It’s easy to feel isolated and alone when the give-and-take in your relationship has become one-sided. If your care receiver no longer contributes to your intellectual stimulation and emotional comfort, it will be up to you to focus on your caregiver self-care and find other ways to nourish your soul. 

Some people lift their spirits with music, meditation, prayer, or getting out in nature. Others find meaningful connections by volunteering to help a nonprofit organization or attending a caregiver support group. The activity doesn’t matter as long as it relieves stress, builds your confidence,  and restores positive feelings and energy.   

Thought for the Day

I recognize that my care receiver can no longer be the partner I counted on. Today, I will practice caregiver self-care by doing at least one thing that fills my tank and gives me the emotional and physical energy I need to continue caring for others.