Coping Strategies: A Caregiver's Grief
Posted by Frank Esterle on Tue, Mar 08, 2011
Whether you’re a caregiver working for an agency, or a caregiver caring for an elderly loved one, you will, at some point in time, face the struggles of coping with the loss of the one you cared for.
It’s important to take time for yourself, as losing a loved one can be very traumatizing. This experience can change the way you view your world and also how you view yourself. We all change as a result of coping with life’s tragedies. Through all of these tragedies we learn and grow.
1. Nurture Yourself
Quiet time can restore energy and relive stress.
Find whatever it takes to restore you.
A life too busy can easily disconnect you from your core self and your reason for being.
2. Learn to Say “No”
Saying “no” is not selfish; after all, you've probably been doing a lot of saying "yes" for the one whom you were caring for.
Set limits with people based on what you know you can and can’t handle.
Saying “no” avoids the resentment and anger that comes from agreeing to things you really don’t want to do.
3. Find Your Voice
Past relationships may have left you reluctant to express your feelings.
Learning to voice your preferences, both positive and negative, will allow you to live more openly and honestly.
4. Bury Your Past
Get over anger, blame or helplessness.
Holding on to resentment and anger uses up precious energy, which can be much better spent on building the life you want.
When you begin managing your behavior and emotion, your daily life will begin to reflect who you are and what you value.
5. There is no Perfect Person
Abandon myths of an ideal relationship.
We are all human.
People who care about us get it right more than they get it wrong.
6. Find Your Strengths
Put time and energy into nourishing your personal strengths.
Stop being someone who you are not.
Whatever you do well, do it frequently and do it well, as this will lead to many rewards.
7. Love the Real You
Whoever you are is fine.
If you change to fit others you will be living a lie.
People will love the real you when you let them see who that is.
Living authentically will attract others who share the same interests and values as you.
8. Create Balance
Make small steps to shift the things that consume your life.
A balanced life gives attention to:
Physical, social, emotional, work, intellect, and spirituality.
“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to make you human, and enough hope to make you happy.”