Follow
Share

I've found that I have totally lost myself over the years while devoting so much of myself caring for my mother and I can honestly say that I miss "me". All that I have left of me are the distant memories of how I used to be, and its left me feeling so empty inside. I am in my mid 50s and feel like an empty shell. I dont know how to even start getting my life back on track so that I can feel alive again.

Does anyone know of any self help book that might be of some help?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Hello, I so relate. I was talking to my friend last night and she loaned me a book entitled Boundaries (When to Say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life) by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. I just started reading it this morning in preparation for setting boundaries with my parents. Wishing you the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I have read that that is a very good book. Let us know what you think of it. There is a website that many here have found helpful - google "daughtersofnarcissiticmothers" and you will find much that applies. I don't agree with the author that EFT is THE successful way to heal, but the rest is really good. There is a book with a workbook called "Stop walking on Eggshells" Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder by Paul Mason and Randi Kreger. I believe there is a free ebook, but not the workbook, at ebookee dot org.
A caregiver can become codependent by overextending themselves, so reading about that would be helpful. I really like Melody Beattie's writing e.g. Codependent No More. She has written others.
Good for you for taking these steps towards your healing. Do you have a therapist/counsellor? I have found that counselling is very helpful.
Be sure to take time for you every day.
Good luck and keep in touch.
Hugs and prayers - Joan
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I understand how you feel. Please don't ignore yourself. These feelings can serve as a warning that you need to do things differently now.

I am reading Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend. I highly recommend it! You will be stronger when you put their principles into practice.

Please keep in touch. We're here for you. Hang in there!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

The Tools.... ByPhil Stutz and Barry Michels
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Hi Jasmine - you have had some really good suggestions already. I heartily endorse the Boundaries book as well as Codependent No More by Melody Beattie, In fact check out all of Melody Beattie's books as she also has workbooks. A book that relates directly to the effects of caregiving is Passages in Caregiving by Gail Sheehy. I bought it recently and it addressed the very issues you speak of. Like you I felt I was losing myself. Hang in there!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I have had the pleasure on being a mentor and motivational speaker for over forty years. I have found that the book Tao Te Ching to be the best book in helping people looked at life in a different way. The first writing was over twenty-five hundred five hundred years ago. It will explain the most basic questions people have. 1. Why am I here? 2. Where am I going? And at one point in life, how long do I have left? I found that the book Change Your Thoughts, change your life by Wyane Dyer to be the easiest to understand. You can order a hard book used copy on Amazon for around $10. Vinnie
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Boundaries is great and so is the old standby by Melody Beattie "Co-Dependent No More". I was given that one over 23 years ago while going through my divorce. Also, I like the "Life Application Bible". Same Bible, but it walks you through the readings and then applies what you just read to how it affects your life now. The daily readings ground my husband and me.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Joyce Myers books are inspirational and funny! She is a truth-speaker that gets you laughing at the ridiculous and wild things we do and think...then she gets you headed in the right direction. Warning: focusing on SELF too much has a negative effect that turns into bitterness and greed. Look out and UP. Very difficult to do when grieving (been there) but really, it's the only thing that works.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Depends on what kind of help you need? ;)
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Having worked with my husband and his chronic depression and PTSD, we were both given 2 books that were outstanding. Both books are a years old, but always worth reading again and again; 1) Who Moved My Cheese? 2) Feeling Good, both available for very little on Amazon.
I do feel your pain. I am the primary caregiver for my husband, grand daughter, daughter (recent double mastectomy), my father (multimorbidities) and my mother, physical and mental disabilities. I've been caring off and on for my mother for the past 32 years.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

TJ JAKES HAS REALLY GOOD BOOKS..
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

My sister who I am living with now has been in the education field for a lot of her life and who has read so much in her life. She recomended two books by Judith Viorst one I have by my bed side to read now is Impertect Control and the other I can not remember the name. I started reading self help and listening to cassetten tapes 15 plus years ago. Dyer was one of my favorite. I have also been to Anthony Robbins, Depak Chopera and others seminars. Anything you listen to or read you can gain something from. May you find peace. You are not alone.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Boy, am I glad you asked! I welcome the opportunity to let as many folks as possible know about these two great books, which complement each other beautifully. Between the two, I think they say it all: 1. "The Power" by Rhonda Byrne...(This is available as a cd set, which I highly recommend. You can listen to it while you get ready for your day in the morning. Very convenient.) This is her second book, and it really basically covers what is in her other two. Truly life-changing. 2. "You Can Feel Good Again" by Richard Carlson...(His other books are good, too, especially "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff".) I think anyone who takes these two books to heart can't help but end up a totally different person, and a much happier one. Bless you.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

AdaptAbility: How to Survive Change You Didn't Ask For by M. J. Ryan. Also Feeling Good by David Burns and Children of the Self-Absorbed by Nina Brown if a narcissistic parent is an issue.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter