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The Caregivers' Guilt Dumpster - Open for business

Caregivers | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (195)

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@strongsurvivor, like @royce said, you are not alone in sharing these feelings of guilt. It's easy now to cast blame on yourself and ask why you couldn't be more patient, have taken more time, etc. But the now is not what your reality was while you were actively caring for your husband that this dreadful disease had dramatically changed.

It's impossible to be patient 24/7 when the behaviors and stresses were constant, your sleep was likely irregular, and you able to do little if anything for your own health and self care.

Remember your husband as he was, the fun times, the things that bring a smile to your face (even with some tears), but without guilt. Imagine that you are your best friend right now. What support, kindness and forgiveness would you give to your friend who might be in your shoes? Would you want them to feel guilty?

Be kind to yourself.

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Replies to "@strongsurvivor, like @royce said, you are not alone in sharing these feelings of guilt. It's easy..."

Thank you for your wise words; my husband had a liver transplant just a mi th ago at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville; we just came back home last week. I try to take care of all his needs and he gets mad at me. I’m so exhausted physically and emotionally. He is my love and I just wish him the best. I know that the anti- rejection medicines cause mood changes but and try my best but isn’t an easy task. I think that I have to stay calm and not answer him back when he gets irritated. True love has to be tested ! Blessings to all !