A COVID-19 resource for caregivers – Issue #9 of 10
The James L. West Center for Dementia Care has launched a Tool Kit for lay and professional caregivers who are providing support to persons with dementia during this critical time. To receive ongoing information, contact caregiver@jameslwest.org.
Living in these uncertain times where feelings of loss are more common add to the abundance of stress we are all trying to manage. The feelings of grief over our tangible and intangible losses can cause more stress if we are not practicing good coping strategies and self-care habits. Follow these tips to better manage feelings of grief:
Coping Techniques:
- Name your feelings: If you can name it you can manage it: angry, fearful, mad, disappointed, scared, frustrated, insecure, weak, bored, stressed, tired, etc.
- Own your feelings: share them with people you trust and/or write them down.
- Feel your feelings: It is okay to have feelings you normally don’t have. This is not a normal time.
What can I DO?
- Go outside, take a drive or look out the window: being outside can fight depression and lower blood pressure and anxiety.
- Be active with your body, mind and spirit.
- Nurture gratitude: what is ONE thing that is going well?
- Spend time with animals.
- Laugh.
- Have a daily schedule: make time for work, eat healthy meals, exercise, drink water, laugh, etc.
- Accept that you will have good and bad days.
- Reach out to someone you trust and make a connection.
- Connecting to others DAILY will help relieve stress.
Take Control of Things that are in your Control:
- Make sure you talk to someone every day.
- Identify what it is that you NEED, then find a way to get it.
- SMILE.
- Be nice to yourself. Don’t say things to yourself that you wouldn’t say to someone else.
- If you slip up forgive yourself and start again.
- You are in control of how much time you spend worrying.
This Too Shall Pass
- Realize this is NOT your new normal. This is temporary.
- Show compassion toward others to decrease anxiety in yourself.
- Loneliness is a sign that you need to connect, just as hunger is a sign that you need to eat. Stay connected by phone, text, email, facetime, etc.
The West Center presents this information with the support of the following organizations: Dementia Friendly Fort Worth – Alzheimer’s Association – Tarrant Churches Together – United Way/Area Agency on Aging
