My body is weak and in pain major anxeity like I am choking! Just really under stress but can't just walk away from caring for my Mom till I receive help from another caregiver I am burnt out major anxiety and feeling gloomy pain through my whole body and very weak .
overwhelm, I'm sure not trying to say you have diabetes, but I am pointing out that just because you are caregiving and you have symptoms doesn't mean the symptoms are necessarily related to caregiving!
So my first advice is to have a through medical exam, bringing in a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing. Also take a friend or relative with you who can act as your advocate and insist that all symptoms are taken seriously and all appropriate test are done.
Secondly, call your county social services department. Explain that you are caring for your Mom but that you are having a health crisis and you cannot do this alone, at least until/unless you get your own health under control. Explain what kind of care your mother needs.
Just as the airlines tell you to put your own air mask on first and then help others, first you have to manage your own health before you can effectively help anyone else.
But I know it is really no good just telling you that. Duh. You KNOW you need to take care of yourself! But what about Mother? Believe me, I struggled with that issue myself. You are in no shape right now to take on the daunting task of setting up alternate care for her. Get help getting help. I suggest Social Services. Another resource might be the Agency on Aging in your state.
Please, please, look up the numbers for these places tonight. Call them first thing in the morning.
Maybe this is burnout. Maybe it isn't. Maybe when you regain your health you'll be better able to cope with caregiving. Maybe you will at least be strong enough to oversee your mother's welfare without doing all the hands-on work.
But start taking action now. You deserve it.
If there is any money available, pay for a day of respite care each week. Who cares if she hates it? It's one day. On your day off, get a massage, and then go to the Elder Affairs office and find out what they can do for you.
If there is NO money available, get her onto Medicaid, and they will pay for some respite care.
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