Struggling

[4myMomAVB]

Having a really hard time lately. Im on ltd and have been for three years. Supposed to go back in September which is anxiety provoking in itself, but now i have to deal wit being caregiver to my mom with dementia and my son who is high functioning autistic. How do i go back to a stressful job i hate and deal with all this added stress?

[blackcat64013]

Welcome to the forum.

You certainly have a lot on your plate. The first thing that comes to mind is that you need to take care of yourself first so that you can take care of everyone else. A visit to your doctor would be in order to check your physical health and mental wellbeing which could be affected by the stress.

Your doctor is the gatekeeper to a number of government and non- government support services for yourself as a carer and members of the family with identified conditions e.g. dementia and autism. The doctor or his reception staff are a font of knowledge if you ask.

Wherever you are, please make a doctor's appointment. The trick is to ask for a longer appointment as there is a lot to cover. A few dot points written down can help your memory. A key thing is to identify a few small changes that can be made reasonably quickly to make a difference e.g. referral to psychologist may be helpful to deal with the stress provoking anxiety.

A financial planner might be able help you review your financial position to see if you have to return to work full time or part-time.

If you have a family member or a friend who can be there for you, remember to include them in your plans. Sometimes they don't how to help so a request to do something for you or with you goes a long way.

Be sure to come back to us if we can help.

[4myMomAVB in reply to blackcat64013]

I definitely appreciate the advice and kind words. Right now i am trying to focus on figuring out the best route for me to get well and still be helpful to my mom and my son. For me, their welfare is everything but i know i cant help if im not emotionally able. I am coming up with a plan and i will continue with my own therapy.