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You need to take time out for yourself, whether it's on the hour, or every several hours.     This is as much of a necessity in planning as are the tasks you're undertaking for your mother.

You might want to contact the local Alzheimers Assn. and see if they're still offering the Creating Confident Caregivers course, whether in person, or by DVD.   I took it; it's helpful beyond explanation.   And you'll have a chance to meet others in similar situations and exchange ideas.

What did you enjoy doing before taking care of someone?  Share that with us; we can help find ways to integrate it into your caregiving role.
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Yes, it is normal to feel that your emotions have been completely exhausted. Its important to find caregivers groups through your church or through organizations. You might even start one with others that share the challenge. When the caregiving end the members can still remain and can be called caregiving survivors. This offers the example that you won't lose your entire self.
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Yes it is normal to feel what you're feeling, especially when you're not taking time for yourself. That is the biggest mistake caregivers make. They put themselves last on the priority list, and then they wonder why they are "emotionally dried up." You MUST take time away for yourself and do things that you enjoy. It can be as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood, or going to lunch or supper with a friend, or going shopping, or just taking a drive to a lake and sitting by the water. You would be amazed how doing those simple things can rejuvenate your soul, and give you strength for the rest of your caregiving journey. But this is something that you have to do on a regular basis, it's not a one and done. And if you can't leave your mom alone, then it's very important that you hire some outside help(with her money)to come in and give you a break. And of course if it just gets to be too much for you, you will probably have to start looking for the appropriate facility for her to be placed in. So you have options, it's now up to you to do what's best for you and your mom. Best wishes.
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Yes Sad, it is normal. I think when you are a caregiver you go through so much of giving of yourself and trying not to get so emotionally involved to protect yourself and then giving of yourself and then backing away over and over again that eventually something has got to give.

You will get yourself back. I promise. Not even knowing you I promise. You will get you back.
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