One thing I have noticed with all the stress is my ability to concentrate on tasks. I have become so ADD about everything. I cant seem to concentrate on my work. I get so easily distracted (internet is a big distraction). Can seem to remember to do certain things, I make notes, set reminders, do all the things I need to. I have done reading on ADD (still trying to finish that book) my wife is a special needs teacher so I get all the signs. Does other care giver get this with the stress? I have so many distractions then that gets me more stressed. Anyone else have this issue? Is this normal? I guess I have had a little of it all my life (well maybe more than a little). With doing some research I have all the patterns of someone with ADD (not a severe case). Just seems to have increased with all the stress.
It is all information overload as now we are now thinking for another person or two. I know I was trying to think for myself and my parents. My brain's file cabinets were already full !!
Yes, the internet is a big distraction. My hobby is politics, and I couldn't even focus on that :P
With so much of my late parent's "stuff" sitting in my dining room, my family room, and my basement, my OCD was kicking at me trying to get my attention. Trying to get my life in order had been placed on the back burner.
I go to work to have a social life, but can't do anythingafter hours, need to take care of my wife. I was thinking about maybe joining an online group for venting. Also having a check list for the person whom you care for(it helps), but I forget stuff I need at work (lately). Too much info at once is just the same as NOT-enough, I tell my wife(care-reciever) that I start work 1/2 hr earlier than scheduled.
Just incase of something. Hope this helps you, this is my 1st blog response. Together we can help and support eachother. I'm open for ideas, and have some answers of myown. Open for 1-1 or group chating, getting coffee, something that will benefit ourselfs and those whom we care for.
I still do because I am still having trouble finding words...
Right now I am at the office, it is very slow and the boss hasn't pulled into the parking lot.... I am finding myself closing my eyes I am so tired.... the cloudy weather doesn't help.
When I was a kid I would never tell my mother anything because I didn't trust her. I avoided her as much as possible when I got old enough to feel the sting. Funny now I am that same kid. Even back in the old days I was a snake-smart kid. It takes a lot of mental energy to deal with a personality like this and gets very exhausting.
Even having our clothes organized means in a power failure we could get dressed in the dark and come out looking good :)
Sounds like you have ADD in some rooms of your home, and OCD in others. The way my therapist interpreted it, as long as my OCD isn't being totally disruptive to those around me, then don't worry about it. I know throughout my career, my mild ODC was an advantage.
I also started taking Coconut Oil capsules. I read about it several different places. I do NOT KNOW if that is what helped me, but I will continue taking them.
Oh, you could still have ADD. That's a possibility, but I think stress from caregiving can do a lot to your mind and body.
It's nice to hear that as long as my ADD doesn't conflict with my OCD I will be OK? I hope so.
And having a garage or office that looks like something out of a magazine is a fantasy unless you never use those rooms or are an OCD hermit. No wonder you are so stressed!
But add tons of items from my parents house has thrown that OCD into a tizzy. I am constantly searching for their items, just can't remember where those things are, in what drawer, in what box or what bag.
I can come home from work and know what he has been up to, kinda like a trail throughout the house. I can tell what he had for lunch just by looking at the sofa and carpet. Yes, he was raised by a pack of wolves !!
So maybe if I stop worrying about everyone else and start on me things will get better? I don't know but I will try.