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Mental Health and Caregiving

Posted by timerdude @timerdude, Dec 4, 2016

I am hoping to get help , by expressing my hard to deal PTSD, depression and mostly dealing as a full time caregiver . I can not talk much of the caregiving . I feel " left out" of my needs and just want to run away! I do not fit any support group , cause I am 66 years old. I am taking care of a disable Army vet for over 20 years. The VA only wants to support " combat war wife's of this latest era. Me? Aim so lost and feel like exploring and take off! Please reply with some resources or online help from real people like this website.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers Support Group.

Mentor
Scott, Volunteer Mentor | @IndianaScott | Dec 5, 2016

Hi @timerdude Nice to e-meet you here. I am glad you found Connect. We have a caregivers' group discussion here too. You can simply click here and follow the comments or join right in. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/

I was the primary caregiver for my wife for 14+ years, so at least in part, I understand your feelings of depression, being overwhelmed, and putting yourself and your interests on the backburner while you are caregiving. It is a challenging undertaking for certain.

I imagine you have seen this site by the VA for caregiving and PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/family/partners-of-vets.asp.

I would also add that I am 65 so keep checking for a support group that might be of help and understanding. I have found some excellent support here at Connect and hope you find it the same.

Strength and courage!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 5, 2016

Hi @timerdude and thanks for posting. There are several folks in the Mayo Connect community who are veterans (or who are caring for veterans). They are @johnjames and @tntredhead and @ggopher. They can undoubtedly offer you some thoughts and encouragement as well. Best wishes and keep in touch with Mayo Connect. As @IndianaScott said Mayo Connect is great place to air your feelings and get the support you need.

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timerdude | @timerdude | Dec 5, 2016
In reply to @IndianaScott "Hi @timerdude Nice to e-meet you here. I am glad you found Connect. We have a..." + (show)
@IndianaScott

Hi @timerdude Nice to e-meet you here. I am glad you found Connect. We have a caregivers' group discussion here too. You can simply click here and follow the comments or join right in. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/

I was the primary caregiver for my wife for 14+ years, so at least in part, I understand your feelings of depression, being overwhelmed, and putting yourself and your interests on the backburner while you are caregiving. It is a challenging undertaking for certain.

I imagine you have seen this site by the VA for caregiving and PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/family/partners-of-vets.asp.

I would also add that I am 65 so keep checking for a support group that might be of help and understanding. I have found some excellent support here at Connect and hope you find it the same.

Strength and courage!

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Thxs! But the VA in CO. does not help at all. There NO SUPPORT group for caregivers in Colorado Springs. The only one close by is 40 miles aways, in another town. I can not drive because of my disability , either . My days feel so dark !

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anncgrl | @anncgrl | Dec 5, 2016

I use a website named caring.com. I am a caregiver also. I am so grateful I found this site. There are post forums for so many different situations. My husband has frontal lobe dementia so I am, most often, in that group. I have gotten so much help simply by sharing with others. I hope you will choose to use that link and reach out to people who know all about care giving.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 6, 2016

Hello @anncgrl and thanks for posting to this discussion. Online support groups such as Mayo Connect and the one you mentioned should be helpful to @timerdude. I'm glad that you are finding places to share your feelings and get support. My best wishes to you as you carry on as a caregiver.

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