What many of us don't realize is that it is our reactions to stress that determine how much stress affects us. The stress we feel is based on how we think and what we feel about the experiences that are stressful. We each react to stress in different ways, and each of us needs to know what these reactions are and how to cope. Being a caregiver to an elderly, frail loved one can bring on lots of stress never felt before. But, as a caregiver there are things one can do to help cope and maybe lessen the effects of stress.
Caregivers often think they have to be superhuman.
But, in reality, one can only do what one is capable of doing. Caregivers have rights. As mentioned earlier, there are ways to cope with stress. A couple of easy to learn methods are thought stopping and deep breathing exercises. Thought stopping can help you deal with negative thoughts, such as anxiety and feeling inadequate.