After all, our human tendency when faced with caring for a loved one is to give it our all and to put their needs first. Indeed, many of us feel guilty about desiring time to ourselves, to say nothing of actively pursuing our own interests and well-being. Yet the answer is simple. To give your loved one the best care possible, you must be in peak condition yourself. Of course, the truth in these statements is inescapable, but there are a number of facts that support the notion that caregivers must, not should, take care of themselves also.
Caregivers are more likely to suffer from depression.
Caregivers are more likely to have suppressed immune systems, which means that one's body cannot ward off illness efficiently. Caregivers are more likely to become frustrated or angry about the many demands of care giving, perhaps resulting in them providing reduced quality of care to their loved one. Caregiver 2 is an 8-week group that allows us to continue working on the goals we established in the first group experience, as well as expand on them. The empathic support of other group members and facilitators provides caregivers with both a network and cheering squad to share triumphs and disappointments. And remember, not only will you benefit from the group experience, but others will benefit from the gifts you bring to the group as well.