tired_sisyphusSenior Contributor
reminder to self-care while looking after loved one
In the same vein as @Determined 's lengthy (but super insightful) thread, thought I'd open up a space myself. To remind myself what's been happening and the need to take self care. (Mostly also don't want to hijack other people's threads with my own stuff)
Long story short, I look after a loved one with various MH challenges, complex trauma stemming from childhood and a myriad of negative life experiences.
Self-care was a foreign concept to me. I used to think:
1. I must do everything to solve the issue;
2. self-sacrifice is a virtue; and
3. (perhaps most problematic) if I break down eventually, I've done my duties.
And yes, I've broken down before. I've sought help. But despite this, my self-care remains mediocre. Sometimes I see work as self-care (because it gets me away from caring work). What were used to be my leisure activities (eg. cafes, walks, even travelling) are now part of caring, because I figured ...hey...I can do both leisure and caring together...*insert wry smile*
I'm at a point where I consider *taking a shower* as a pleasurable self-care.
Now you see why I need this thread to remind myself to do better?
Anyway, these are the background. Would love to hear your ideas, feedback, thoughts.
