You Have Needs, Too

You may be thinking... "How can I focus on my needs, when I hardly have enough time to breathe?" And although it may seem impossible to find the time, you can't expect to put all of your energy into caring for your loved one without taking some time to care for yourself. Caregiving can lead you to neglect your own physical health, social life, and emotional well being.

Ignoring your own needs can lead you to develop health problems, become physically and mentally exhausted, and neglect relationships with your friends and family. With all of this added stress in your life, it makes it almost impossible for you to provide the best care for your loved one. This section was written to let you know that it's okay (and necessary!) for you to care for yourself in the midst of caring for an ill loved one. A number of suggestions as to how to attend to your needs are provided.