What are the seven deadly emotions of caregiving? According to Paula Spencer Scott, Senior Editor for caring.com, below are some of the top emotions caregivers should be aware of in themselves. Azura Memory Care shares a portion of this article below. The full article can be found here.
1. Guilt
Guilt looks a lot like beating yourself up over the decisions you make regarding your loved ones care.
2. Resentment
Resentment looks a lot like the frustration you might feel over the unequal divide of responsibilities to help someone else out.
3. Anger
Anger looks a lot like the explosions you have on a regular basis about your situation and may even cause you direct physical harm (i.e. heart attacks, high blood pressure, headaches, etc.).
4. Worry
Worry looks a lot like the uncertainty you feel about what’s going on, especially as you look to the future.
5. Loneliness
Loneliness looks a lot like the void you feel from loss of personal relationships.
6. Grief
Grief looks a lot like the sadness and mourning you’re going through, and can sometimes lead to depression.
7. Defensiveness
Defensiveness looks a lot like your attitude toward the choices you’ve made and the techniques you’ve used, even if someone has good intentions and is only trying to help you cope.
Can you identify with any of these? Have you had any experiences that have helped you overcome some of these powerful, and at times, deadly emotions? We’d love to hear your comments in the comment section below. You are not alone. And remember, caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint.
2 Comments
this isn’t just for caring for the elderly, you can be in a relationship that all of a sudden is not the same, but, you just can’t or won’t do anything about it, guilt, anger, lonliness, resentment….
I am very close to two caregivers. They’re having a very hard time. I will pass on your info to them.