As the one with the limited mobility and energy, but not the depression, I still echo others' comments. Taking care of yourself is job #1 because if you aren't available, Colleen is up a crik.
At the same time, remember that you are in the process of adjusting your expectations and goals to accommodate a new reality with you and Colleen. If you are expecting yourself to be able to accomplish as much, or even 3/4 as much as you used to, you will find yourself more frustrated and depressed, because, well...that's unrealistic now. I found it took a long time to readjust what seemed "reasonable". Even now, I overdo it badly (witness yesterday: *3* stores??? what was I *THINKING*??? I haven't been in that much pain in a long long time! One store is usually too much. That's why I delegate the shopping, for the most part. It was a momentary stupidity.)
So be easy on yourself. Delegate as much as possible. Find a support group for caregivers and know that there are others who feel like you do...you are definitely not alone.
Getting the depression treated is surely job 1, and doing the stuff you need to do will be easier if you do it in small chunks. Or at least...that's how it works for me and for my hunny. YMMV, naturally.
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Date: 2009-06-01 12:44 am (UTC)As the one with the limited mobility and energy, but not the depression, I still echo others' comments. Taking care of yourself is job #1 because if you aren't available, Colleen is up a crik.
At the same time, remember that you are in the process of adjusting your expectations and goals to accommodate a new reality with you and Colleen. If you are expecting yourself to be able to accomplish as much, or even 3/4 as much as you used to, you will find yourself more frustrated and depressed, because, well...that's unrealistic now. I found it took a long time to readjust what seemed "reasonable". Even now, I overdo it badly (witness yesterday: *3* stores??? what was I *THINKING*??? I haven't been in that much pain in a long long time! One store is usually too much. That's why I delegate the shopping, for the most part. It was a momentary stupidity.)
So be easy on yourself. Delegate as much as possible. Find a support group for caregivers and know that there are others who feel like you do...you are definitely not alone.
Getting the depression treated is surely job 1, and doing the stuff you need to do will be easier if you do it in small chunks. Or at least...that's how it works for me and for my hunny. YMMV, naturally.
Have another *hug*.