Self-care
Self-care should always be your priority!
As a caregiver to a chronically ill woman, I need to stress the importance of self-care.
Health problems touch every one of us differently. Worry Head may be based on just one couple’s story, but there are many more stories out there of couples struggling to cope with chronic illness.
Not being taken seriously when our partner is chronically ill can be very demoralizing for them.
Living with ongoing pain at some point in their life leads to anxiety and depression. And if your spouse isn’t feeling the best mentally, physical pain may hurt even more.
The symptoms of endometriosis and fibromyalgia fluctuate over time, even from day to day, therefore in order for your loved one to cope with chronic illness, your help as the caregiver is crucial.
But what about us?
Being chronically ill isn’t fun but what the world doesn’t talk enough about is the caregiver caring for a chronically ill spouse.
But how to cope with a chronically ill spouse when your efforts are not being noticed?
It’s not that you expect them from your partner, your loved one has enough to deal with. After all, staying well is a full-time job for them.
The answer is simple – in order to help someone with their struggles, you have to take care of yourself first.
Whenever an emergency on an airplane occurs, an oxygen mask descends in front of you. What do you do? The first rule is to put on your own mask before you assist anyone else.
This example shows that only when you first help yourself, you can help others.
Caring for yourself is one of the most important and yet often forgotten things you do as a caregiver.
You always think of that person in need instead of yourself being fortunate to be healthy, you brush aside your needs. But know this…
When your own needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit too.
Ask yourself one question – what good will you be to the person you care for if you become ill?
I’ve been in your shoes before, sometimes I still get caught in the moment of doubt, but I’ve learned how to care for my needs first.
You can’t stop the impact of a chronic illness on the loved one you care for but there is a lot you can do to take care of your well-being.