We can work ourselves into frenzy, especially as Christmas
draws near. There are countless tasks to be done in so little time. We cross one task off our list and another
appears. Our brow furrows and we fret. Fatigue creeps in and we yearn for rest,
but instead of letting go we press on. Then comes a time when we can continue
no longer and we flop out onto the settee or on our bed. After ten minutes we
feel refreshed and off we go again.
Eventually, if this continues day after day, we succumb to
illness. Body and mind can cope no longer. Those who are fulltime carers,
perhaps for a disabled husband, wife, son or daughter know full well the
strains and stresses of their situations. The only respite is for someone to
relieve them of their onerous task, which is done out of love but is so
difficult to perform. Getting away for a break, even a day can give time for
recharging their batteries.
We all need time out, whether carers or not, for refuelling
ourselves.
Overstretched people who find they cannot continue have few
resources, but there are agencies and volunteer organisations that may be able
to help.
Links
Carers’ Trust
Carers Direct
Rethink Mental Illness – Help for Carers
Alzheimer's disease – caring for a person with dementia
Mind – How to cope as a carer
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