I'm taking care of my mother four days a week. It seems all consuming and such a huge part of my life. I don't have another job thank GOd. I commute a half hour each way. By the end of the six hours I'm exhausted. I have friends but by the time I get home and even the next day, i just want to veg out and have peace and quiet. I'm a homebody anyway so that's how God made me. I just don't want it to be unhealthy.
Another factor is that I may have some social anxiety because I don't know what to talk about! Other people have 'lives' and have plenty to talk about. Someone asks me what's new....i'm taking care of my mom, is my response.
It is wonderful what you are doing - hugs and take care
Good luck and know that what we are giving up for our loved ones is the most selfless act a person can do. Hugs to you
I'd like to say a word for us caregivers. Often we're told to let it roll off us, to suck it up, or how to take better care of the care receiver. But I'm left with the big question of how to keep our life from being sucked from us as we do this.
Would say more, but I have to take my mother to the doctor -- 4th appointment this week.