Find Someone Who Really Understands

This week’s topic touches on one of the premises for the founding of Courage to Caregivers – and it’s also an appropriate topic for National Family Caregivers Month – that NOBODY should have to navigate the caregiving journey alone.
 
When I think about the journey of providing care to my brother, I still can’t get over how lonely I felt. And with that loneliness came the feeling of hopelessness. I had a hard time reaching out to anyone. I felt my “job” was exclusively to support my brother – to protect him, encourage him, and empower him to avoid the suicidal thoughts. But I neglected ME. I forgot that I mattered, too.
 
I didn’t realize it at the time, but what I needed was a mentor. Someone who had “been there, done that” – who really understood what I was going through.
 
When it comes to our careers, it’s common to have a mentor. Many, if not most, of us can point to someone who shared their own knowledge and experiences with us to help us grow in our chosen field. It can be the same for caregivers. By having a caregiver mentor, you gain the opportunity to share your fears, concerns, thoughts, and actions with someone who has gone through the same experience and can validate and support you.
 
That’s exactly what we set up our One-to-One Caregiver (Peer) Support program to do. If you’re interested in either finding a caregiver mentor or providing support as a mentor to someone else, you can register here. Our Support Groups are also a great way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. 
 
While others in your life may express compassion and sympathy, only someone who has walked in your shoes can truly understand your feelings, frustrations, worries, and the logistical concerns of caregiving.

Sometimes we just need someone to reassure us that we’re trying our best and doing the best we can under the circumstances. And once we find someone who truly understands, those feelings of loneliness and hopelessness may go away.
 
I know it can be hard to ask for help. It was hard for me, too. Just remember, there’s always hope, and you’re NEVER alone.