Whether you’re a caregiver or a patient, the right support resources can help you handle everyday obstacles. The roles of patient and caregiver both present difficulties that make it important to practice regular self-care. By partnering together, patients and caregivers can provide support for one another.
Self-care is simply the act of treating yourself kindly, so you can stay mentally and emotionally well. There are lots of different ways to practice self-care, which can help caregivers and patients alike.
Staying active can do wonders! Whether that’s a walk around the block, a visit to the gym, or anything in between. Being active can tremendously improve your overall well-being. Every little bit counts, so don’t be afraid to start small. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercise routine.
Make time for the activities you love doing on your own. Spending time on hobbies has been linked to reduced stress and an improvement in mental health. A hobby can be anything you enjoy doing. It could be something creative, academic, athletic, or anything else.
Everyone experiences negative feelings at some point. These are natural and they can even be healthy to feel – as long as you are prepared for them.
- Recognize that negative feelings are normal. You don’t need to feel bad about having negative thoughts. Everyone feels these things from time to time. Experiencing these thoughts may not be easy, but it is completely normal.
- Don’t avoid negative feelings – instead, work through them. For some people, it may be tempting to bury negative feelings or try to avoid them entirely. But chances are, they are going to come out eventually. Avoid a buildup and eventual explosion of negativity by working through your feelings. Feel them, process them, and allow yourself time to understand why you’re feeling a certain way.
- Identify the source of your negative feelings. Getting to the “why” can help you work through negative feelings. What happened that shouldn’t have, or vice versa? What about a certain situation is making you feel frustrated, sad, or defeated? This could help you find a practical solution for your situation, if possible.
- Express yourself in a healthy, productive way. It is not healthy to keep your feelings bottled up inside. Find a loved one or a trusted person and talk about your feelings with them. Even if they cannot provide practical help, having someone to listen can help you resolve your feelings.
- Remember that feelings are temporary, and even the negative ones will pass. If you have any concerns about negative feelings, please raise these concerns with your healthcare professional.
If you’re feeling tired, worn out, or overwhelmed, remember your “why”. Try to think about what motivates you. Remember some of the positive times and feelings you’ve had recently. Take a moment to reflect on the good, so you can find enjoyment in your day-to-day life.
Take some time out of your day to appreciate yourself. Whether that means buying yourself a special treat, or just reflecting on the progress you’ve made: Don’t forget to give yourself credit for the effort you put in every day.
Everyone needs different kinds of support. Whether you’re living with gMG or caring for someone who does, here are some strategies you can use to help build your support system.
Truly understanding what it’s like to live with gMG, or care for someone with gMG, may not be possible for everyone. Use empathy to partner with those around you and educate them on your experiences.
Learning about gMG can provide a great foundation for your support system. Use the internet, the library, or the bookstore to learn about gMG and how it can affect a person. The more you know about the struggles of gMG, the more effectively you will be able to help yourself or your loved ones.
It’s important to communicate with your loved ones. Whether you’re asking for support, offering help, or just asking to be left alone for a while, you may learn how to effectively communicate with other people in your life. Proper communication keeps you and your loved ones on the same page.
Being kind to others can be rewarding. But also be kind to yourself. To tackle everyday tasks and obstacles, it’s important that you have both mental and physical energy. Spend time on hobbies, take some “you” time when you can, and celebrate the small victories.
