Being stuck as a caregiver

I was in a similar situation once...and yeah, it does suck. You need to do something for yourself before you lose it. One thing I do when I get overwhelmed with life is to get outside myself. I get a really good book and read, take a bubble bath, watch a good movie...anything except think about all the crud that's bothering me...one thing for sure, things will change. So in the meantime, take care of yourself!

Pathetic ? Worthless ?
Oh heck no ! A caregiver is one of the most admirable (and difficult) positions to have in life.
Overwhelming & depressing ? I am sure it can be ! Especially if it is for a loved one !
And through it you managed to complete college ! Look at how fantastic that is !
Pain can sure help make things seem less manageable too for crying out loud...back pain stinks.
You do need to remember to make some time for yourself too tho. Even if it is just a book to escape into for a while.
Pop into The Women's Room...we are good for a few giggles and some shoulders to cry on ! Heck, we can even take a good yelling at if that is what you need to do !
Complain away ! It is tough and you deserve to vent !
If however you think things are too far out of hand, there are centers you can call (even anonymously) in your local area.
They can provide great professional advise.

Let's get you un-stuck girl !
Looking forward to seeing you in The Women's Room !
c.

Please take care of yourself. It takes a lot of energy to care for another. But you too are worth caring for.

You are not pathetic and worthless!!! Anyone who takes care of people are wonderful! I applaud you for doing it.

But you can't continue to care for someone else when you aren't taking care of yourself. Now you need some down time......a nice hot bubble bath with a good book does wonders.

Does USA-A OK mean you are from Oklahoma?

Hello Flarg,
I can't help but say this blog entry really upset me when I read it. I'm so sorry you feel this feel way. I spoke to some friends this morning and they recommended a book written by Hugh Marriott. Its title is a bit shocking on the off, but really puts things into perspective and is highly recommended.
A passage from the book:

"No, it’s not burnout. Or lack of information. Or even poverty, fatigue, back pain – or any of the many other problems and afflictions that we care-givers are heir to. It’s not even guilt. It’s that we need to be more selfish than we are.

We think we’re too selfish, and often feel ashamed about it. But the truth is that care-givers get out of the habit of taking care of themselves. Here’s how it works: you find the whole thing almost impossibly hard; yet other care-givers do it without complaining or giving up; so there must be something wrong with you; and you drive yourself on; until you’re ready to drop.

This is why the title of my new book is The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring (the title of the U.S. edition will be The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caregiving). It isn’t for people who really are selfish pigs. It’s for care-givers who need, for a change, to think about themselves."
Amazon.com: The Selfish Pig's Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriott
Be Kind to yourself, Flarg.
Meli.