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Caregiving: I’m frustrated and exhausted.

Caregivers | Last Active: Mar 27, 2022 | Replies (223)

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@cindylb

Hello,
I'm new to this part of the support site. I am a breast cancer survivor and share regularly on that topic. In addition, my husband was diagnosed about 18 months ago with a terminal 'cancer of unknown primary' (a cancer they can't identify by type). I still work and need to and also care for my husband and help with his 92 year old mother and my 82 year old mother. I am overwhelmed trying to manage all of that, still pay the bills, do the housekeeping, errands, and everything else. It's all on my shoulders and although I have had a great deal of stress and responsibility for many years.....now it seems I have to do 'everything'.
I guess I have two big worries with this. Of course I hate to see my husband suffering and I love my family but I have absolutely no free time and extreme stress working 2 part time jobs which don't provide quite enough income. We're not destitute (thankfully) but we're on the edge of losing all we've worked for all these years each day. I know that this time is precious with my husband and I really do try to stay positive but I'm so tired and I have to spend most of my time just trying to keep things moving along and our heads above water. Frankly, I get pretty cranky and resentful and try to keep it to myself but I'm sure it's obvious to everyone around me who knows me well. I also know from past caretaking experiences I've had (my sister, my Dad, a good friend) over the past 10 years, that I will regret and feel sad and remorseful about every angry and selfish thought I'm having.
I can't afford therapy nor can I afford the time it would take away from my duties and responsibilities. I also know I'm supposed to keep myself well so I can care for everyone I love......it's just easier to say, 'take a walk', 'get someone else to come in and help'......none of it seems actually do-able.
Thoughts, suggestions, fellow whiners?
Hugs..........

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Replies to "Hello, I'm new to this part of the support site. I am a breast cancer survivor..."

@cindylb Hi, welcome to the caregivers discussion group. I had answered your post on another discussion thread and then saw this. And, I’m sorry I mentioned getting someone in to help. Not an original suggestion, but a true one, and now I’ve learned, not always a do-able one. I’ll give you a hug for that! Do you or your husband have siblings? Maybe they could help. Do your mother and MIL live with you? The whole situation must be so difficult—please whine all you want! Maybe some other members of this group have ideas. Hugs to you

@cindylb Not knowing the size of your community, is there a circle of people you can turn to? Perhaps a group from your faith community, or a wellness group nearby? Are there any senior resources to turn to, seeing your MIL is in a senior community? Even though your daughter has her own busy life, do you think she would feel upset if you Don't reach out to her? She might have some resources to consider, also. If you get too run down, you won't be any good to anyone!
Ginger

Your message have been merged into this discussion, @cindylb.