-- adapted from the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders
Association, www.alz.org
When someone in the family is sick, roles change and family members
take on the tasks that would normally have been performed by the person
who is ill. This puts strain on family roles and relationships. It is
important to talk about these changes, and work out agreements that allow
the person who is ill to feel they are contributing, and the caregiver
not to feel overly burdened.
In a survey of caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients, more than
80 percent of caregivers report that they frequently experience high levels
of stress, and nearly half say they suffer from depression. Many caregivers
don’t recognize their needs, fail to do anything about them, or
simply don’t know where to turn for help.
Too much stress can be damaging to caregivers and to the person for
whom they are caring. Recognizing the signs and learning how to reduce
stress can help.
1. Denial -- about the disease and its effect on the person who’s
been diagnosed. “It’s not going to affect me.”
2. Anger -- at the person who is ill or others: that no effective treatments
or cures currently exist, and that people don’t understand what’s
going on. “In he asks me that question one more time I’ll
scream!”
3. Social withdrawal -- from friends and activities that once brought
pleasure. “I don’t care about getting together with the neighbors
any more.”
4. Anxiety -- about facing another day and what the future holds. “What
happens it he gets more severe symptoms?”
5. Depression -- begins to break your spirit and affects your ability
to cope. “I don’t care any more.”
6. Exhaustion -- makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily
tasks. “I’m too tired for this.”
7. Sleeplessness -- caused by a never-ending list of concerns. “What
if she falls and hurts herself?”
8. Irritability -- leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses
and reactions. “Leave me alone!”
9. Lack of concentration -- makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
“I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment.”
10. Health problems -- begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt good.”
If you are a caregiver who is experiencing several of these stress symptoms
on a regular basis, consult a physician.
Ways to reduce caregiver stress:
Know what resources are available in your community
Become educated about VHL and ways to manage it
Get help from family, friends, and the VHL Family Alliance, www.vhl.org,
1-800-767-4VHL
Take care of yourself by watching your diet, exercising, and getting
plenty of rest
Manage your level of stress by consulting a physician and using relaxation
techniques
Accept changes as they occur
Engage in legal and financial planning
Be realistic about what you can do
Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished; don’t
feel guilty if you lose patience or can’t do everything on your
own
As printed in the VHL Family Forum 11:5, December 2003. For permission to reprint,
please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.
