Denton County Living Well Magazine May/June 2019 | Page 26
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER
By Julie Alvira, MD MBA
C
aregiving is a labor of love but
can pose some extreme chal-
lenges, both physically and
emotionally. It does not matter
if you’re an individual work-
ing as a professional caregiver for an
agency or by yourself. Caregiving can
create family pressures, impact
financial well being, and con-
tribute to social isolation.
Stress can take a toll and result
in burnout. Professional burn-
out, which often is the result of
stress manifested in the form of
emotional and physical exhaus-
tion, has become a national
health crisis among healthcare
professionals. It can result in
poor sleep, mounting pressure,
skipping exercise, bowing out
of social events, poor eating,
feeling not good enough, depression,
an inability to accomplish obligations
out of the healthcare setting, not hav-
ing quality time with loved ones, and
a decrease in the sense of personal
accomplishments.
A physician and caregiver for his wife
with breast cancer (Finkelstein, 2013)
points out, “I compartmentalized my
fears about what might happen, and
I pushed forward––exactly as I would
do with my patients at work, as I was
trained to do. But while this strategy
works effectively with the strangers
that I care for in the operating room, it
proved to be less successful at home. I
started to have trouble sleeping, and I
noticed many odd new physical symp-
toms––muscle fatigue and weakness,
numbness and tingling in my fingers
and arms, and palpitations.”
This doctor was having symptoms of
anxiety. With the help of a therapist, he
learned how to recognized these symp-
toms and take control. Also, he learned
to listen with more patience and prac-
tice compassion with his own patients.
As one can see, a caregiver gives their
love and time with compassion and em-
orities. Yes, you feel compassion for
your loved one, client or patient, but
in order to help that person you have
to help yourself first. This is not self-
ish or self-centered, it’s part of caring
for your well being and having a bal-
anced lifestyle to prevent the manifes-
tations of stress.
According to Chopra Wellness
Center, there are six areas of
self-care that we should work on
including:
pathy but needs to learn how to con-
nect to self. The idea of “feeling your
feelings” by becoming aware of them
is important. Take control, have emo-
tional support, and know when to ask
for help. One great thing that I have
learned as a caregiver to my mom,
who’s a widow and recently had a hip
replacement, is to practice self-care.
Remember, you might not be able to
do anything about the person’s disabil-
ity, but you can do something about
the way your life is impacted. Whether
you are in the healthcare industry or
are a professional caregiver or caring
for a loved one, if you let stress and
emotions lead to exhaustion, you might
become vulnerable to many problems.
Self-Care
Self compassion and self care are pri-
• Physical: adequate sleep, nutrition,
and physical movement to raise your
energy levels.
• Emotional: “feel your feelings” and
talk about them. Get in touch with
your thoughts.
• Mental: instead of getting caught
in stagnation, try a new challenge or
project.
• Spiritual: connect with the self
by practicing yoga, tai chi, meditation,
relaxation techniques or trying solitude.
Remember that solitude is not isolation.
It is a time to connect with yourself and
recharge. Sometimes it is called “me
time.” Some people walk in nature while
others read a book. Your type of solitude
time is special and it is your own. If the
feeling of loneliness kicks in, be aware of
where it’s coming from and come back to
the present moment. Mindfulness helps
when our fears and emotional wounds
from the past show up and try to take
over.
• Social: cultivate connection with people.
• Practical: pay attention to other areas of
your life that are part of your chores and
routines such as financial, projects, etc.
It’s important to know that you are not
alone. It’s not easy, but in order to be-
come a compassionate caregiver, love
with a whole heart.
Julie Alvira, MD, MBA. www.coachdrjulie.com. Dr. Julie is a Certified Life Coach for
men and women but has a passion for Women Recovering from Addictions. Creator
of Your Recovery Gal program for women, she is a Nationally Certified Addictions
Professional. [email protected].
Bilingual virtual or in-office sessions.
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DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2019