I know the feeling,.. I’m caring for my mum with severe dementia all on my own (no other family whatsoever) and sometimes I simply stare at my wardrobe like “who was that person”, “how do I be her again”. I feel like I’ve completely lost myself. Every now and then the old me tries to surface but is quickly pulled back into the depths when Mum requires assistance or I realise something must be done. I hope that I will find myself again but I don’t even recognise myself when I look in the mirror. I was a bright, bubbly, slim and energetic person who had big dreams and plans. Now, I’m 20kg heavier, live in comfy home clothes 24-7, tired and worn out, brittle hair, my mind is a scramble and my self confidence has hit rock bottom and my job aspects have paused. I can only hope that I will once again find myself but for now I severely lack in energy to do that. I would guess the answer would be to find time for yourself, to keep doing the things you are passionate about. For me, those choices have partly been removed and I barely have any help to actually have time for myself. But if you can, if you have assistance, try do those things which you were/are passionate about!
All I have to say, and I am brand new to this website and forum, but for all of you "caregivers", I salute you. To me, the absolute definition of love is what you are doing.
I've been through it. I took care of my husband and neglected my health and sanity. He passed away last year. My health has gone into the toilet and I'm disabled.
It's hard to go from being spouse to a caregiver. My advice? Take care of you. Make sure you try and have a life outside of the home. Or, if it gets to be too much, don't hesitate to look into nursing homes or assisted living. I don't know how old you are or your wife. It's something to consider.
I can only hope that I will once again find myself but for now I severely lack in energy to do that. I would guess the answer would be to find time for yourself, to keep doing the things you are passionate about. For me, those choices have partly been removed and I barely have any help to actually have time for myself. But if you can, if you have assistance, try do those things which you were/are passionate about!
It's hard to go from being spouse to a caregiver. My advice? Take care of you. Make sure you try and have a life outside of the home. Or, if it gets to be too much, don't hesitate to look into nursing homes or assisted living. I don't know how old you are or your wife. It's something to consider.