Caregivers and Stress

Kätzchen · 03-27-2015, 09:14 PM

Thought I would share a tiny bit more about my role as a caregiver to not only my mother, but as a caregiver to my youngest son.

Last summer, my youngest son lived on his own, worked a relentless schedule at work (upwards of more than 60 hrs/wk), then moved back home last October and fell apart mentally and emotionally. For the past three months, I have observed him having lucid moments to sheer irrationality, bordering what I think has spiraled into a strange case of schizophrenia.

My youngest son spends hours sleeping or will wander off for unexplainable walks to unknown locations. Only to come back and melt into his bed and have conversations with people you cannot see.

He's been in and out of the hospital. No insurance, not able to work, can't get him to go to a social service agency to get approved for a state medical card or be evaluated properly by medical personnel.

There are days I feel I can't take another single incident or event --- with either my son or my mother (she is and can be very needy).

But I keep watch over my son and look for ways I can lead him to safety, when he seems to be lucid/rational.

My heart goes out to those of us who are caring for people, near and dear to us.

03-27-2015, 09:14 PM	#11
Kätzchen Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sharing my life with my granddaughter, family & friends. ツ Posts: 16,144 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 29,544 Thanked 33,569 Times in 10,678 Posts Rep Power: 21474868	Thought I would share a tiny bit more about my role as a caregiver to not only my mother, but as a caregiver to my youngest son. Last summer, my youngest son lived on his own, worked a relentless schedule at work (upwards of more than 60 hrs/wk), then moved back home last October and fell apart mentally and emotionally. For the past three months, I have observed him having lucid moments to sheer irrationality, bordering what I think has spiraled into a strange case of schizophrenia. My youngest son spends hours sleeping or will wander off for unexplainable walks to unknown locations. Only to come back and melt into his bed and have conversations with people you cannot see. He's been in and out of the hospital. No insurance, not able to work, can't get him to go to a social service agency to get approved for a state medical card or be evaluated properly by medical personnel. There are days I feel I can't take another single incident or event --- with either my son or my mother (she is and can be very needy). But I keep watch over my son and look for ways I can lead him to safety, when he seems to be lucid/rational. My heart goes out to those of us who are caring for people, near and dear to us. __________________ “The way someone treats you is not a reflection of your worth: It’s a reflection of their emotional capacity,” ~ Jillian Turecki. “Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage,” — JB Pritzker (Democratic Governor of Illinois). ”We should be lifting each other up and cheering each other on, not trying to outshine one another. The sky would be awfully dark with just one star,” ~ Stacie Martin (tinybuddha).