Feelings and Coping

Caring for someone with Dementia can be an emotional experience for many different reasons. You may feel frustration, resentment, or anger towards the person you are caring for, and this is a quite normal reaction. You may also find it upsetting if the person you are caring for is a close family member or partner who you have spent many happy years with, and that person is now slowly being lost to the effects of Dementia. You may feel angry if you are the only family member who is willing to take up the role of carer, when other relatives seem quite happy to do nothing to help. All of these feelings are quite normal but can cause problems when they are the only emotions that you experience.

The Right Balance

In your caring role you will experience lots of different emotions both positive and negative. Be aware that at certain times in your life such as when you are suffering from fatigue, when you are ill, during menopause, or after an emotional trauma, you will not deal with situations as you normally would. When this happens, you may overreact to certain situations which in turn may affect you more emotionally than it would under normal circumstances, and this may have further effects on you relationship with the person you are caring for.

Self-esteem

Self-esteem can also play a big part in how you deal with your feeling and emotions. As a carer, it is important to feel good about yourself and what you are doing. This means that you should try not to be too self-critical if you feel that you can't cope with what you need to do. Be honest about what you can cope with and ask for help in the areas you need it. By keeping your caring duties to a manageable level you will be better placed to feel good about what you are doing, and this will help you retain your self-esteem. Another good way of building your self-esteem is to learn more about caring. There are many different organisations that offer training in areas that will help you in your day to day caring routine, including PSS. Click on the 'Training' link at the top of the page for more information on the courses offered at PSS.

Asking for Help

If you are having doubts about your caring role or trouble with your relationship it could be a sign that you need to look for some help. Often, just talking about your problems with a close friend or family member will go a long way to making you feel better about the situation. Your G.P. will also be available to talk with you about your feelings and emotions. Just make sure that you let them know you need some additional time allocated for this when you make your appointment. In addition to this, there are also many organisations such as Carers UK, or The Samaritans who have advisors you can speak to. There is also a Support Line number on this website with trained councillors who are available to give whatever help and advice you need. Click on the 'Dementia Support Line' link on the left hand side of the page, and don't forget to visit the on-line forums where you will find help, advice and support from a growing on-line community.

Enjoy Yourself

Try to do things that you enjoy, this includes maintaining your hobbies, contact with friends and family, and your social life. These things will all go a long way to making you feel more positive and help you cope with the more challenging aspects of being a carer.