Posted by ckc on January 4, 2005, at 13:39:04
In reply to Re: Can your brain learn its way around an antidepress » Marley, posted by jujube on December 26, 2004, at 14:32:10
Oh Tamara, what can I say that will help you? Being everyone's caregiver can be devasting. Believe me, I have never been able to care for my needs above everyone else or to lower my expectations of myself. That makes me my own worst enemy. You would have thought that I would have changed after having a stroke 6 months ago at the age of 47, but no. I came back to work too soon, ramped up to full time too quickly and gradually since September have taken on more and more responsibilties. This in addition to tending to my anxiety prone husband, my wonderful son who has just been diagnosed with bipolar II and having family visiting for weeks. It all came crashing in last week. I had developed a distinct suicide plan and was ready to implement it. I have taken a week off of work and am trying desperately to tend only to myself, ignoring the housework, not running everyone's errands and trying to find and practice things that soothe me. My husband and health care providers have helped me through for now. I feel that if caregivers don't pull back and say "I can't meet that need for you right now" we ultimately become the greatest victims of all. Life should not be a race against time, ourselves or the needs of all those around us. Please set aside time for yourself and nurture your inner being. Best of luck, ckc
poster:ckc
thread:432111
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050103/msgs/437680.html