Hello to all the Caregivers out there and a Happy, Festive Season - from a fellow caregiver

by Nadia
(South Africa)

It has been a while since I last wrote an article and today I felt the need to do so. As a fellow caregiver I know how hard life is and also what a thankless task it can be. Mom is now 87 years old and in the last couple of months her mind has not been too good.

The usual feelings of anger and frustration and then the guilt that follows are still there from time to time and of course the self pity. BUT never feel bad about those feelings they are normal and a way to release the stress a bit. My biggest danger is getting into a depression , it is so hard to get out of it again.

A new year is around the corner with new experiences and challenges, I do not think we will ever get an experience that is too hard to manage but it is scary to think what is lying ahead of us.

All we can do is move forward as best we can. Try to live for yourself and not because people dictate what they think you ought to do. This is your life and yes, at the moment not exactly all your own but give yourself a little ME time, you deserve it.

I know this time of year is a very sad time for some of us, I am one of those people that fall into the loneliness syndrome category and find this time of year particularly sad. BUT I am going to fight against it and live in the moment, surround myself with happy thoughts, good music and my animals .

I truly hope all of you have a happy and peaceful festive season without tears and rather full of laughter. Let's try and see the good side of things.

My prayers are with all of you

Nadia