Carer

[commie_girl]

Hi I'm a carer at home to my husband who has Complex PTSD, Major depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, plus my oldest daughter who has CFS and my youngest daughter has PTSD, Social and separation anxiety.

I myself suffer from clinical Depression. I am also a support worker and sole earner in the family.

Recently My manager where I work gave me a week off of work because I wasn't coping very well. My doctor has given me a month off. I am so so tired, no inspiration to do anything, everything thing is so hard to do. I am emotional, in pain when I get up. I have no more to give, yet I have to go on.

[Bob_22]

Hi commie_girl,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you are completely burnt out which is totally understandable. I can't imagine the strain you are under. Have you heard of carer gateway? Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. Here is some info about the services and support they offer: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/services-and-support I think the peer support groups could be really helpful. 

Hope this helps a bit.

Bob

[Mark Z.]

Hi commie_girl,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through a tough time. It sounds like you are experiencing burnout as a carer. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything by yourself. Reach out to friends, family members. And there are resources in the community available as well, for example:

1. Department of Social Services: Government helps carers remain engaged in the community, participate in the workforce and stay healthy while continuing their caring role through the provision of funding for a range of supports, services and financial assistance. Link: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/carers

2. Carer Gateway: National online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. Link: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/

3. Wellways Australia: Carer Gateway Support Services for carers including face-to-face counseling, planning assistance, and financial packages. Link: https://www.wellways.org/

One more important thing, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved ones. Family caregivers often neglect their own long-term physical health because they’re so focused on taking care of their loved ones. Make sure that you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself each day to do something that you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book or taking a walk.

Hope everything will be better.
Mark

[geoff]

Hello commie_girl, Mark and Bob have given you some very helpful links, and the situation you are in means that you have to pretend to your family that all seems to be OK, but it's not as you have explained to us.

You have an enormous amount on your plate and all you might be doing is looking after everyone else and not yourself.

I agree, if you are able to obtain a DSP then being a carer will allow you more money to help with all the financial costs and also allow you to get the help you really need.

Your daughters can contact Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 by phone, chatline or online as these counsellors help people aged 5 to 25 years old.

The lack of inspiration is understood and feel very sorry for you.

Geoff.

Life Member.