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| What is the optimal way to respond to illness? |
| How do I cope with being a caregiver? |
The most significant step in responding to the impact of illness is that of acceptance. Caregivers, other family members, as well as the patient, face the challenge of acceptance.
Accepting illness does not mean that we like it or feel that it’s fair. It does not mean that we resign ourselves to it or deny it.
Acceptance is an attitude; an empowering perspective. It means facing the truth in the present moment. This requires courage and patience.
Understandably, there are a myriad of feelings that accompany any illness. We may feel reactive and ask, “Why me?” We may withdraw and feel alienated. As we move beyond these common feelings, the greater the degree of acceptance that is engendered, the more empowered responding will be.
How do I cope with being a caregiver?
Finding yourself in the role of a caregiver can be very stressful in many respects. There are a number of roles and responsibilities that are added to your life. These range from being the person who is an advocate in dealing with the medical system to being a chauffeur. You often feel alone and it draws upon your wisdom and compassion.
One of the most important keys for handling the myriad of new responsibilities is to delegate. As the caregiver there is often the unconscious belief that you have to do it all and there is a hesitancy to ask for help. Most times there are others who would step in to help if only you would let them know what to do and how to help.
Some of the tasks you can delegate include: rides to appointments, visits to the hospital, phoning people with updates, arranging for various forms of transportation
As a caregiver, it is easy to over-function, become overwhelmed to the point of burn out and possibly become ill yourself. As much as possible, it is important to keep balance in your life.
To be inspired by an article written by my wife Marlena, please go to
www.co-creativecoaches.com/acceptance.html
To read about her book "Body-Centered Coaching: using the body as a resource for change" go to www.BodyMindSpiritCoaching.com