Caregiver Stress Signs

Submitted By Don Wilson

DENIAL about the disease and its effects on the person who's been diagnosed. I know he/she is going to get better.
ANGER at the person with the disease: that no effective treatments or cures currently exist, and that people don't understand what's going on. If he/she calls me one more time, I'll scream.
SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL from friends and activities that once brought pleasure. I don't care about getting together with the neighbors anymore.
ANXIETY about facing another day and what the future holds. What happens when he/she needs more care than I can provide?
DEPRESSION begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope. I don't care anymore.
EXHAUSTION makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. I'm too tired for this.
SLEEPLESSNESS caused by a never-ending list of concerns. What if he/she falls and is seriously injured?
IRRITABILITY leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions. Leave me alone!
LACK OF CONCENTRATION makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment.
HEALTH PROBLEMS begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically. I can't remember the last time I felt good.