Frustration…something we all feel as a caregiver from time to time. When I left my job to begin caring for my mother full-time, I felt frustrated A LOT. Mom’s dementia was getting to me and I was LOSING IT! I’m thinking I can’t go on like this I was feeling defeated and drained. Then I had an Ah Ha! moment. Why am I getting frustrated it’s mom with the problem. Wait… what … I’m getting frustrated because she has a problem and won’t do what I want or even need her to do. Guess what genius that’s pretty much right. She has Dementia Duh! And Sometimes she may not do what I want and need her to do. And get this… it’s ok you know I mean as long as it’s not a safety issue. I’m not going to let mom drive the bus. You know where I’m going with this. For me… changing mom when she had an accident was my source of frustration. Before I “discovered” disposable underwear, I was cleaning her underwear and throwing others away. I knew I had to do something about this frustrated feeling… so here are a few ways I power through my frustration. See if they can work for you.
- Take a deep breath and count to ten or twenty
- Sit quietly and remember the good times. (That’s why journaling is important. More on that later)
- Be aware of what triggers your frustration and be prepared (mentally and physically )
- Remind yourself that this too will pass
- Let it go (cause they won’t remember anyway).
Ok my friends I hope I gave you some ideas to help you deal with frustration… because YOU WILL get frustrated from time to time as a caregiver. The trick is learn how to help you deal with it a little better.
Got questions? Leave a comment. Let’s connect.