What is true: caregivers should also…?
From the book – Chapter 17: Helping a Family Member
The right answer
Take care of their own wellbeing and seek support
Caring for the caregiver
Signs of caregiver burnout: constant fatigue; irritability, anger, or resentment; sleep problems; neglecting one's own health and social life; feeling hopeless or trapped.
Self-care: regular breaks; share responsibilities; maintain your own health; stay connected with friends and support groups; consider your own counselling. Caring for yourself is not selfish; it enables you to care better for others.
Read the full chapter – Chapter 17: Helping a Family Member
Stories from real life
- The Door That Stayed Closed – Fatima, 15, in Lucknow, has started spending evenings in her room with the door shut. She skips meals, her marks have fallen and she snaps at…
- Appa in the Village – Mr Gowda, 76, lives in a village near Mysuru with his son's family. For months he has been quiet, forgets where he put things, and says,…
- Brother, Bottle and Blame – Imran, 35, in Kolkata, drinks every evening and more on weekends. He has missed work, lost his temper with his wife and borrowed money. His younger…
- The Daughter Who Held Everything Together – Lakshmi, 40, in Hyderabad, looks after her mother who has schizophrenia, her two children, and works part-time. She gives medicines on time, goes to every appointment,…
Shloks
- Tukaram Gatha; cite by first line – The person who treats the broken and suffering as their own family is a true saint. That is where God lives.
More on this topic: Helping a loved one with mental illness – family and relationships
More questions
- What is true: when someone refuses help, you should…?
- What is true: setting boundaries as a caregiver means…?
- What does Tukaram Gatha; cite by first line mean for the mind? (Chapter 17)
- The Door That Stayed Closed – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Appa in the Village – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Brother, Bottle and Blame – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- The Daughter Who Held Everything Together – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Five Steps for Anil – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Suresh And Meena”?
- Why family support matters?
- How to help a family member who is struggling
- How to set healthy boundaries in relationships