Coping With Negative Emotions as Caregivers

Video Transcript

"Being a caregiver is both exhilarating and exhausting. I'm Sandi Sunter I'm with the hospice of the Florida Sun Coast. Being a caregiver for another person is a 24 hour day job whether you are the caregiver living in a home or even a long distance caregiver your thoughts are always with the one that is out there needing the care. Caregivers have many emotions that they experience while they are going through the experience, they are anxious because they want to do what is right and worry about their loved one all of the time, they get angry because sometimes they put other things on hold in their life and their vacation is put off and they might not be able to get out with their friends as often. They get a little bitter over that and kind of get guilty because they are feeling bitter and they feel guilty if they have to put a loved one in a facility and maybe they feel guilty because they promised that they wouldn't but when care becomes so hard that is the only option that is available. And along with that comes depression and they are very sad about those kinds of choices that have to be made. However, there is support out there and other caregivers who feel the same way. On the other hand, caregiving is an empowering opportunity. It is that opportunity to give back to a loved one all that you can and all that you are able to do, to be able to feel lucky that you've been able to give them that time and that caring and compassion in whatever manner you are able to do that as a caregiver. One of the things that is important and I always want caregivers to remember is that there isn't a caregiver who is a victim. Caregivers are only victors. I'm Sandi Sunter. I'm with the hospice of the Florida Sun Coast."