Caring for a loved one can stress even the most loving and resilient people. It's so important to care for yourself, and your emotional well-being.
I draw from my experiences as a caregiver, partner, therapist, and member of the local Stroke community to provide
Post-Stroke Emotional and Psychological Care to Stroke Survivors, Caregivers, and their Families through a personalized counseling approach that focuses on the need for compassionate mental health support.
No person or family is ever prepared for the reality of a Stroke and its consequences. We often though don't hear enough about the range of feelings and emotions caregivers and family members will face.
Although each person and family is different, shock, confusion, helplessness, grief, loss, guilt, anger, resentment, stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the many feelings individuals may experience. These emotions are common reactions and may also unintentionally be directed toward the person who experienced the Stroke.
You may have found yourself thrust into the role of caregiver; a role most people are unprepared and untrained for. The role of caring for someone in need includes unanticipated feelings and often results in Caregiver Stress; the emotional and physical stress of care giving.
Both the physical and emotional toll of adjusting to the physical, behavioral, personality and emotional changes of a loved one in the aftermath of a Stroke can be overwhelming. You may also have had to shift into taking on new roles such as primary financial provider, parent, or homemaker in the family.
The unmet needs of caregivers of stroke survivors often go unattended and over time can lead to Caregiver Burnout. The importance that caregivers and loved ones receive their own support is underestimated.
-
Feeling overwhelmed
-
Feeling down, depressed, or sad
-
Feeling constantly worried and/or anxious
-
Increased tearfulness
-
Fatigue and/or changes to sleep
-
Weight loss or gain
-
Becoming easily irritated or angry
-
Increased resentment
-
Difficulty relaxing and/or concentrating
-
Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
-
Isolating and/or disengaging from interactions with others
-
Frequent headaches, body pain, gastrointestinal issues and other physical problems
-
Using and/or abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, to cope
Signs and 'Red Flags' of Caregiver Burnout include physical, emotional, psychological and social symptoms including:
Taking care of your emotional health is essential when you are caring for someone else. It is important to remember that self-care is not selfish or uncaring. It is actually one of the ways you show that you care.
I provide a place for you to tell your story, to share your grief and loss, to understand your feelings and emotions, and to develop the self-care, coping skills, acceptance, and emotional resilience necessary to live a balanced life while also providing support to another person.
Click the following link to find Joanne's presentation on Caregiver Burnout: A Journey in Slow Motion