Caregiver’s Love – Supporting a Loved One Going Through a Life-threatening Condition
Watching a loved one go through a life-threatening condition also takes a toll on you. It can be emotionally draining to constantly be on alert, worrying about your loved one’s health while trying to attend to all their needs and hoping for things to improve. Sometimes the reality may be that your loved one is not getting better, and one of the possible outcomes is moving toward a final goodbye. You experience the loss before it happens.
A caregiver’s love is a powerful force that can be felt by a loved one suffering from a life-threatening condition. This love can be like an energy source for those suffering from the challenges of their condition. It can provide hope, support, and comfort as they face difficult times.
Caregivers may struggle to balance their love for their loved ones with their own exhaustion and fear. If you are a caregiver, please remember that you must take care of yourself too, or let someone support you while caring for your loved one. Do not give up things you do for yourself, such as: stepping away from your caregiving duties to recharge your batteries and having some “me” time. Taking a walk, reading a book, attending your favorite class, or grabbing a coffee with a friend are all helpful ways to help you reset. Sharing your experience with a trusted friend or family member or seeking out a professional to help you process all the changes you are going through while caring for your loved one can support your well-being.