You know that I work with the elderly in their homes as a caregiver and have for 23yrs. I get very close to some of my clients and some have actually become friends since I have taken care of them for so long. Honestly there is no way to not get close to them when you find you have something in common and they need that closeness in their advanced age.
This is not a job for everyone and it takes a special heart to do so. You are a kind and loving heart but if it is doing you emotional damage maybe it is time to change careers.
When you care for the elderly and then have an aged parent to care for it can feel very overwhelming and the darkness does creep in.
I fear everyday of becoming one of my clients when I get elderly.
Although I love my job it does burn me out sometimes and then it's time for a lengthy holiday...
Big hugs and hope you can figure this out for your happiness..
Hey ;) Your right, it is impossible to not become involved with people. Especially these people as they are so often alone or abandoned by family or without anyone entirely. I think what you said is very true about the darkness creeping in. I keep wondering what will happen to me and obviously we share all those same thoughts, makes me wonder if that’s how all carer’s are inside, I know some who don’t give a toss about the people and are detached completely, maybe that’s the way. If it wasn’t for my depressions I think it would be alright, hard yes but alright in the end. Thank you for saying true words to me.. Love and hugs too xxxx
Yeah when you have depression and are in a situation like caregiver it makes it all the worse.
being detached completely to the people is not a good thing. You want to care for them and you can't care if your detached. I know others who do the job with that attitude and they don't do it well at all.
In the end you have to decide if you want to go on with this type of work or if you think you would be better off doing something else...
*hugs* As someone who also frequently struggles with depression, I can't imagine how stressful that job must be for you. I think you're very brave to attempt something like that! So kudos to you.
That said, you can't take care of others if you can't take care of yourself...if it's getting you too down, and too far into your dark place, maybe you just need to take a break from it for a while? Not give it up, but just do something to give yourself perspective again. Maybe you should volunteer at a library or a school? Do something to work with children so you can see the beginning of life as well as the end. I don't know. Wish I had better suggestions, but my thoughts are with you.
Comments 6
You know that I work with the elderly in their homes as a caregiver and have for 23yrs. I get very close to some of my clients and some have actually become friends since I have taken care of them for so long. Honestly there is no way to not get close to them when you find you have something in common and they need that closeness in their advanced age.
This is not a job for everyone and it takes a special heart to do so. You are a kind and loving heart but if it is doing you emotional damage maybe it is time to change careers.
When you care for the elderly and then have an aged parent to care for it can feel very overwhelming and the darkness does creep in.
I fear everyday of becoming one of my clients when I get elderly.
Although I love my job it does burn me out sometimes and then it's time for a lengthy holiday...
Big hugs and hope you can figure this out for your happiness..
Love you bunches
Reply
Your right, it is impossible to not become involved with people. Especially these people as they are so often alone or abandoned by family or without anyone entirely. I think what you said is very true about the darkness creeping in. I keep wondering what will happen to me and obviously we share all those same thoughts, makes me wonder if that’s how all carer’s are inside, I know some who don’t give a toss about the people and are detached completely, maybe that’s the way. If it wasn’t for my depressions I think it would be alright, hard yes but alright in the end. Thank you for saying true words to me.. Love and hugs too xxxx
Reply
being detached completely to the people is not a good thing. You want to care for them and you can't care if your detached. I know others who do the job with that attitude and they don't do it well at all.
In the end you have to decide if you want to go on with this type of work or if you think you would be better off doing something else...
love you bunches
Reply
*hugs*
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That said, you can't take care of others if you can't take care of yourself...if it's getting you too down, and too far into your dark place, maybe you just need to take a break from it for a while? Not give it up, but just do something to give yourself perspective again. Maybe you should volunteer at a library or a school? Do something to work with children so you can see the beginning of life as well as the end. I don't know. Wish I had better suggestions, but my thoughts are with you.
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