Caregiver Must Have: A Good Therapist

As I have mentioned before, my family is in a tough spot right now. My mother in law is currently being treated for breast cancer, my daughter is in a midst more testing since she is a little older now, my mother is in the hospital for an infection in her leg, my granny just seems to be getting worse, and my husband's grandfather is having more and more health problems. I've seen recently just how important your mental well-being is when you or your family is faced with major health issues.

Do you remember being told "you can't take care of someone else if you do not take care of yourself." Well, I can attest that to be true.

I have learned first hand the importance of taking care of oneself while trying to care of someone else. If you don't, you will eventually crash and have a hard time getting back up again. Not only should you eat right, exercise, take vitamins, have down time, and get well checks, but take care of your mental state as well. A therapist might just be your ticket to getting through the illness with strong mind.

Here are 10 reasons to consider a therapist while being a caregiver:

1. Avoid caregiver burnout by talking with someone without feeling like you are burdening anyone.

2. A therapist can help you pinpoint things you should do to help keep yourself healthier.

3. Isolation can be a major issue for caregivers, but a therapist can give you someone to talk to, especially online therapy.

4. Being a caregiver for a family member can be traumatic, but a therapist can help you work through this.

5. Even paid caregivers can become attached to their patient and experience trauma.

6. As a mom, becoming a caregiver for a family member does not exempt you from your other responsibilities. The added stress on top of daily responsibilities and stress can quickly get you down. Therapists can get you through this tough time and give you tips on how to get through day-to-day life.

7. A therapist can pick up on dangers and risks of suicide, anger, breakdown, depression, and more - even when your closest family members may not.

8. A therapist can help you stay accountable for your own health and well-being- reminding you to eat right, exercise, get check ups, and maybe even take a bubble bath.

9. Seeing a therapist can allow you to express concerns without feeling the guilt that you may when sharing with another family member.

10. Therapists can be a barrier to help identify and prevent the most common health concerns for caregivers, like frequent headaches, substance abuse, fatigue, and even injury from care-giving.

If you are a caregiver (parents, children, spouse, other family member, or paid) I urge you to consider therapy, possibly even online therapy, to help you through this difficult time.