In this session of our Change Your Thinking series, we cover two distortions in thinking that are common among Dementia caregivers. The first distortion outlined is Should Statements.

Should Statements occur when you tell yourself that things “should” or “should not” be the way you expected them to be. These types of statements generate a pessimistic view of the situation or world. For example, My loved one wandered away at the mall; I shouldn’t have let that happen. Should Statements can cause dangerous habits such as unrealistic or unreasonable pressure and demands on oneself, avoidance behaviors, guilt, lowered self-worth, anxiety, and more included in the video session. 

Personalizing Blame is another dangerous distortion of thinking common among Dementia caregivers. Personalizing occurs when you assume the blame and guilt for things that go wrong outside of your control. Blame is created when you do not take responsibility for yourself, but rather shift the blame onto others. Personalizing the Blame can stimulate self-sabotage, guilt, feelings of inadequacy and helplessness, damaged relationships, and more as outlined in the video session. 

Both Should Statements and Personalizing the Blame can be challenged by reframing the thought. By checking in with yourself to recognize when you are partaking in these behaviors, you can discover the truth behind the statements, who is responsible for the action, and develop compassion for yourself. Remember, change is a process, but you have the ability to change your thoughts and actions!

This session is part of the Change Your Thinking series of programs on the caregiver mindset. Recorded sessions are 30 minutes or less in length.

• All or Nothing
• Discounting the Positive – video not available
• Emotional Reasoning & Jumping to Conclusions
• Labeling
• Magnification & Minimization
• Mental Filter
• Overgeneralization

The James L. West Center for Dementia Care is a faith-inspired, not-for-profit organization serving persons impacted by dementia. As a trusted expert, we provide personalized, innovative care and support for families and specialized education for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the community at-large.

Connect with us at 817-877-1199; caregiver@jameslwest.org; or stop by our building at 1111 Summit Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76102.

Visit our Education Calendar for a full list of upcoming programs and learning opportunities, or check out James L. West Learn to browse our video library.