Caregiver Stress - I Cannot Do It All!

by A Huge Mess
(Virginia)

I am the youngest of five children. I am also married and have a demanding career as an alternative education teacher.

My entire existence right now reeks of stress!

My parents are 77 (Dad) and 70 (Mother). My elderly parents live approximately 10 minutes from me. I have a brother who lives 30 minutes away and a sister, who doesn't drive, who lives about 5 minutes away from our parents.

The role of parental caretaker has been heavier since I married six years ago. It is now to its breaking point.

Within the last month, my husband and I experienced a house fire, where everything was completely destroyed, and the loss of our pet during the house fire.

My family, particularly my parents, continually asked me to do things, as if nothing happened.

While most people have a time to grieve and reflect, I have not. I continued to complete tasks for my parents, dealt with the insurance company, and searched for a new place to live without missing a beat. I spent only three days away from work and returned.

I've been ill three times this year, and the last illness was all stress related. The doctor wanted me to rest. When I shared with my family the doctor's findings, it was met with a shrug. The stress level was dismissed. I continued to do things for my parents, like I normally did.

I continue to have headaches and stomachaches. I have problems with insomnia and depression. It seems like it doesn't matter to my family, and I am too chickens--t to say anything.