I am only 55 and it took a huge toll on my health. Weight gain, insomnia, high, high blood pressure, panic attacks, depression. Take care of your own health. The mental/spiritual break that results from dealing with a mean, demanding dementia parent sometimes causes a lot of damage.
Do not put off your own medical appointments/needs. Sometimes for me it would get so bad I would drive over to the local clinic to take my blood pressure and stay there until it got to normal. I had to get to the point that I would put an object in my pocket to focus on when my dad was ranting at me. That helped me remember that this all was not my fault.
I guess what I am getting at is to stay strong, focus on what you can and cannot do and above all remain an advocate for yourself, your significant other and your kids if you have those responsibilities as well. Good luck to you.
I can relate to being sick with anxiety, not knowing which way to turn, never knowing from day to day what to expect and on and on and on and....
Hugs 2 u!
Do not put off your own medical appointments/needs. Sometimes for me it would get so bad I would drive over to the local clinic to take my blood pressure and stay there until it got to normal. I had to get to the point that I would put an object in my pocket to focus on when my dad was ranting at me. That helped me remember that this all was not my fault.
I guess what I am getting at is to stay strong, focus on what you can and cannot do and above all remain an advocate for yourself, your significant other and your kids if you have those responsibilities as well. Good luck to you.