Caregiver Support

[hjwilson2]

Hi- my name is HJ for short. I’m 25 and I live in Ohio with my 52-year old mother. In May 24, 2018 my mother suffered from a double stroke. I currently work full-time and attend school full-time. I also am a caregiver for my mother. She now lives with me and I spend most of my time caring for her. I’ve recently noticed over the past couple of months that I am suffering from depression. This battle with depression has been real for me. Ive noticed that a simple task... like waking up takes the strength of 30 men. Walking into work and having to interact with people makes me sick to my stomach. It’s crushing me... I feel like I’m just stagnate with life. Trying to find meaning and purpose. This battle is not easy.... I’m running from help. It’s hard... very hard. I try to remain optimistic as I fight this battle, but that’s even harder.

[Hidden]

Hi, I’m sorry you are feeling this way. Is there an option to have a caregiver come in and help? If not, can you decrease your work load or school load for a while? The local hospitals are good resources to help you find support groups and resources for caregiving. I hope things get better for you.

[hypercat54]

H it sounds like you have taken on far too much and it's clear you need to either reduce the workload or get some help. Can carers come in to take some of the burden off. You also need time to socialise and do things outside work that you enjoy. This is essential as work/life balance. x

[SirGrits]

Hey HJ I agree with the others. It seems like you've over filled your plate. Sometimes it takes courage to ask for help. It can feel like you're conceding defeat. But in reality, you're giving your friends & family an opportunity; an opportunity to be there for you.

I encourage you to try and bring in others to help with mom. I also encourage yon to explore your employer's employee assistance program--most companies offer that free. Another good resource is a local church. There's usually people chomping at the bit to help there.