Getting good, informed mental health care is incredibly difficult for caregivers. Just a few months ago a caregiver I know personally took their own life because they felt like they had no other option. I've been home less than 24 hours, and my husband and my children have all observed that "Some of your spark is back." We, as caregivers, NEED these kinds of events in ways I can not even begin to explain. Instead I've thrown myself into my titles rather than figuring out my own identity. I learned that I have no idea who I am and I haven't known for a very long time. Probably the most significant thing was the time spent working on figuring out who we are as individuals, not as caregivers, wives, partners, mothers, employees, or workers. It's very easy to forget that you aren't alone on this journey and this weekend helped remind me in a tangible way that while it may not be the exact same journey, we're all toiling up the same mountain. I am no longer burnt out and I don’t feel such resentment. My husband even made appointments to improve his mental health.
I had the most productive day I’d had in a long time.
At the end of the retreat we all were able to say who we truly were. I think all of us could not describe ourselves without including our children and/or significant others. The thing that stands out the most is we introduced ourselves at the beginning of the retreat. Problems that are ignored by many around us were understood in this space. We shared our stories and found we shared similar struggles as well. I had the opportunity to connect with other caregivers. I signed up hoping to gain some information on reducing stress, managing a household with a wounded warrior, also tools for my daily life.
0 kommentar(er)
