I was thinking about the issue of: Blocked care.
Did you know that’s the name given to a caregiver’s challenge when they can no longer feel love for the person they are caring for? The love has evaporated from physical abuse, swearing at, and intense tearing down of the individual who is providing care from the person who is receiving care.
The caregiver in this case is no longer able to replenish the feelings of love and protection they once felt for the person they are caring for. They have maxed out, hit their limit, and are unable to proceed with care that is heartfelt.
This is very much like PTSD in real time. The person is incapable of feeling for them any longer and is often seen as burnout.
Hopefully you never have to get to this place. Self-care is so important for people who find themselves caregivers to folks who perhaps have brain damage and are unable to control impulses towards aggression.
Self-care can include:
- Morning prayer and Bible Study, engaging faithfully in your faith in God and that God has good plans for your life
- Physical attention with touch like facial or massage
- Attending a support group with others who care for the specific issue you deal with ongoingly
- Therapy
- Lunches with close friends
- A walk in the woods or on a beach
- A swim
- Deep sleep and enough sleep
- Good nutrition
I know some of my followers are dealing with challenges and exhaustion from caregiving challenges. I have been there, and am there with my little man who I adore, but can be a handful.
Take stock of the support you give and allow yourself. Although we may not always be the best version of ourselves at any given moment, we are always doing the best we can. When we are fueled emotionally and physically, when our minds and hearts are at peace, we can bring that best version of self to the forefront and offer this self to the world of service.