You're a caregiver and think you want to take advantage of counseling in Columbia, MO?
Welcome to my blog series for Caregivers.
Perhaps you are the caregiver for your spouse, relative, or friend. You know how rewarding and challenging being a caregiver can be. You are devoted to making sure your loved one has what they need, but it is getting more difficult lately. You may have been thinking for a while that you need to find someone to talk with. You think counseling may be an option. See my previous blog series on Finding a Therapist in Columbia, MO at www.counselingmidmo.com.
You don’t hate being a caregiver. You just want to find some balance.
In the beginning, being a caregiver was very rewarding, and here is a list of some of the
Rewards of being a caregiver:
You have the opportunity to give back to someone who is important to you and has done so much for you.
You can provide your loved one excellent care
You may have a sense of personal growth.
You may feel an increase in your life’s purpose.
You are modeling a culture of care in your family, and it may increase the likelihood that others will care for you.
You may also be able to spend time with your loved one in a way that you never did before. Spending this time may allow you to learn more about them and have a greater appreciation for their life. Hearing the stories, thoughts and seeing them in their private moments are things you may take with you long after the caregiving is over. It may also be something you share with other members of your family and your friends.
The caregiver journey
Caregiving usually begins with a few tasks. Maybe you started with mowing the lawn, doing some banking, getting medications, making a few meals, and driving for your loved one. You may now be a full-time caregiver.
When caregiving tasks increase, you may feel more alone. The extra time you devote to the care may take the place of seeing family or friends, reaching out to people, taking walks, and doing things for yourself.
As a Caregiver, you are most likely:
One of over 15 million caregivers in the US?
Most often, spending more than 20 hours a week providing care?
Provide care that is unpaid 90% of the time.
Most likely female?
Often an elderly spouse, child, or friend of the person that receives your care?
Frequently dealing with your own health needs?
Love caregiving, but also feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and at times, guilty for doing things for yourself?
Enjoying the rewards of caregiving while feeling overwhelmed and frustrated can take an emotional toll on you. Anxiety and Depression can be part of what you feel each day as you approach your caregiving journey.
The Caregiver Blog Series will explore Caregiver Stress and its effects on you, the Caregiver.
About Jerry W. Kiesling, MSW, LCSW
I am Jerry W. Kiesling, MSW, LCSW. I provide counseling and therapy in Columbia, MO, and I specialize in Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, and Grief Counseling. My mission is to help Seniors and Caregivers live better lives when stress gets in the way. Learn more about me and what I do at www.counselingmidmo.com. If you think counseling may help, please call me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
