Danger Signals That Say...

      
Many caregivers would rather trudge on under unbearable conditions than to admit such "failure." What happens, though, is their own health suffers more and more, and eventually they themselves need care. Others simply don't realize they are taking on too much until it is too late. If you notice any of the following signals, you are probably approaching role overload and should seek assistance from a local support group or counseling agency.

For help you can call Care From the Heart at (623) 875-4440.

1. Your relative's condition is worsening despite your best efforts.
   

2. No matter what you do, it isn't enough.
   

3. You feel you're the only person in the world enduring this.
   

4. You no longer have any time or place to be alone for even a brief respite.
   

5. Family relationships are breaking down because of the caregiving pressures.
   

6. Your caregiving duties are interfering with your work and social life to an unacceptable degree.
   

7. You're going on in a no-win situation just to avoid admitting failure.
   

8. You realize you are all alone--and doing it all--because you have shut out everyone who's offered to help.
   

9. You refuse to think of yourself because "that would be selfish" (even though you're unselfish 99 percent of the time).
   

10. Your coping methods have become destructive: You're overeating/under eating, abusing drugs/alcohol, or taking it out on your relative.
    

11. There are no more happy times; loving and caring has given way to exhaustion and resentment, and you no longer feel good about yourself or take pride in what you're doing.

Reprint from AARP's  "Modern Maturity," magazine