Frequently caregiver families respond to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer or other chronic condition with denial. This translates into the initial hope that here will be an answer, a cure or a way to make things better. Denial at this point is not necessarily bad because it provides time to regroup before beginning to cope. When denial begins to break down, either because reality breaks through or because you are ready to look at the situation, you may experience a mixture of fear and anxiety. Fear and Anxiety begin when you are confronted with the fact that a loved one's physical condition and safety are at risk.
Fear is a general state of alarm and is accompanied by confusion and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
After initially feeling anxiety, you will begin to mobilize resources and solve problems. There is comfort in having a plan and beginning to do something because caregivers often are not prepared for the frustration, the lack of progress, and the roadblocks that they encounter. Having a plan for medical care, organizing important personal information and planning for financial and legal hurdles set a solid foundation for both you and your loved one while helping to minimize disruptions. Nevertheless, even with extensive planning and preparation, frustration is common. Frustration and resentment are the foundation of anger.