Know your limits
A person who takes care of another person with an illness is called a caregiver. It's natural to want to give your best care to your loved one, but that isn’t always possible. For example, you may be a caregiver to your adult son with autism. In such a case, you need to acknowledge that you too have physical health issues to tend to. Don't feel guilty for not doing some things and recognize your efforts as a caregiver.
As a caregiver, it is exhausting for you to take up your caregiving duties day in and day out. For example, if you are taking care of an elderly person with illness, chat with them normally about the days, or try to ask them about their fond memories. Laugh with them, keep things light. Find newer ways to do your caregiving tasks or try to set time out for yourself for some fun activity.
Arming yourselves with the latest knowledge about the illness will give you the self-confidence to manage the several challenges of a caregiver. Take note of the issues that your loved ones are facing and look for opportunities to learn new skills and also help them learn new skills.
Reach out for help
The biggest challenge that a caregiver faces is the feeling of isolation and social exclusion. This is specially true for those taking care of a person with mental illness cases of caring for persons with mental illness, the social isolation makes you feel like you are fighting this battle alone. However, you may be surprised at the support you will receive from unexpected quarters, if you only ask for help
Share the effort
In several families, caregiving for a person with mental illness is usually taken up by one single person, the primary caregiver. This is not just unfair but it causes a lot of burden to the caregiver. Try to share the efforts with your family and friends. It not only allows for better caring the person with illness, but also makes the caregiver and patient feel that the world is with them.
Take care of yourself
Caregiving is stressful – emotionally and physically. It's easy to neglect your own health to care for your loved one. While this may seem like the right thing to do, it is harmful for you and will only affect your ability to take care of your loved one in the future. Pause from your busy schedule and get a health checkup done for yourself. Relax your mind and body, before you get back to your duties as a caregiver.
Sharing your experiences as a caregiver can be therapeutic. Write to your best friend or loved one about your journey. Look for other caregivers or caregiver support groups to discuss and share experiences, in order to reduce the stress of caregiving. What's more, you'll make new, like-minded friends, who will provide you the emotional support.