It Can Be Draining

@ feelingroovy :)



rickibrat, it sounds like you have your hands full too.

it is hard i take care of 2 full time for my income and i enjoy what id but then others thing i should do things for them too or then come over here touse computers or eat but they stay late and i have to get up when the to withme get up plus mine are ful medical feeding pumps suction the hwole 9 yeards

Bless your HEART hon!

thank you, chpimunk. it's nice to be appreciated :)

People who do the work you do deserve our eternal gratitude -- and probably a medal.

thanks ron :)

thank you, georgeg. i like to be a giving person but sometimes it does take a toll on you. i have to find ways to balance my life so i don't get overwhelmed.

your ability to give is a very special thing. I don't know if I could be that strong.



seems endless and thankless sometimes I understand. but hold strong, you are very special gift to this world

thanks angeleyes. i try and treat myself whenever i get the chance.

You sound like a very good and kind person who is constantly doing selfless acts on a daily basis. You should treat yourself every now and again to reward yourself for your hard work. Even somethin as small a long hot bath with a nice bath ball in it.

you're right about that, flourlady. that's one thing my dad couldn't understand about my job, but he's an idiot anyway lol. he was under the impression that because i work nights, there isn't anything to do. what he doesn't know is that we still have plenty to do and these people do get up in the night and we have to deal with their issues. just because it's bedtime doesn't mean that we don't have to deal with them to some degree. but try explaining something to a know it all.

its rewarding but very hard. unless people have done this work they dont know!

you're right panky, people with mental issues can be draining and you do have to be on alert. that's how it can be at my job. having loved ones with these issues must be even more difficult. good luck to you.

I understand as I have a Mother & Son that are mentally ill and I am the sole caregiver to them both as well as my husband and other children. Its the mentally ill ones that can drain you so fast as you always have to be on your toes.

thanks warrior. it would be nice if we had more family that we could count on but it's just me, my sister and our niece against the world. or, at least that's how it feels. it just makes me sick that your family doesn't pull together with you in times of need.

My Mom had MS and lived until she was 73. My Dad and us 5 grown adult kids, and her adult grandkids, would spend time with her as caregivers and take turns. It was hard to see my Mom slowly go away, but my Dad kept her at home until her last day. It was so hard on my Dad even tho he had all of us to help. Maybe every 3 yrs he had a few days for himself, but it was a heavy toll on him. I found they do have places of support for caregivers any where from groups to books. I wish you the best and hope you find what you need to be OK.

thanks pd. from your own experiences, you sure know where were coming from.

Jerrica and mampolo: I have walked in your shoes and know exactly how you feel!! Drained...I understand!!



I had worked in a mental health facility for 21 years and for the last 9 years have been a manager of 2 residental living facilities where the clients are mentally retarded and medically fragile.



I cared for my mother for years, before she finally had to go into a nursing home. Although, I loved my mother very much, there were days that I was so drained, I could barely stay awake until 9P and bedtime. My Husband is Bi Polar and has had an up and down time with episodes for about 2 years, with 2 long stints in the Psych Unit.



All I can say....Is DO DO DO take time for YOURSELF. You need it to refresh and energize your being and your soul. Sometimes, even that hot bath with the door shut and the fan on, is a perfect alone time.



My heart goes out to you both!!! :-)

yeah i try to take as much me time as possible. i take vacation days from my job and sometimes leave the house and drive around, shop if i can afford it lol. it's not bad everyday, but there are some days when u want to get away from it all. good luck to you in your situation.

I don't have your length of experience, but I can relate to how hard it gets sometimes. There are days when there simply seems no end to it, and I've only been in this spot for 3 1/2 months.



Is there any way you could arrange for a break now and again - to have a 'just for you' day - or hour, even?