As explained in my last couple of posts, my elderly mother’s physical and mental health has declined significantly in recent months, as she’s been struggling with the impacts of going blind and having falls, including anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disruption, confusion and visions.
That’s required me to be much more attentive as her carer, which in turn has had an impact on my own wellbeing, as seeing her change so quickly has been heartbreaking and a shock to the system, and therefore difficult to come to terms with. And even though I know I’m one of 6 million unpaid carers in the UK (many of whom are in far worse positions than me), it still feels like the loneliest job in the world, because I’m having to do it all by myself, unwitnessed in secret behind closed doors.
I have now started to reach out for support, both for myself and for Mum, and consequently I’m feeling a bit better than I was, because I know that help is on the horizon. But it is very much a waiting game, during which we have no idea how long it will take for help to arrive, what support we’ll be able to get, and how useful it will turn out to be.
I’m also very fortunate to have close friends who are keeping in touch to see how I’m doing, allowing me to sound off to them about what’s happening, offer advice, provide information and meet up occasionally, despite having issues in their own lives that they’re dealing with. I greatly appreciate that, as I don’t feel so isolated and it’s comforting to know that people care.
So here’s an insight into what it’s been like from my perspective and the support I’m trying to get. I hope you find it interesting, and again feel free to comment here or contact me if you have any help or advice or just want to be supportive.
Continue reading “Caring For Mum – Part 3 – My Wellbeing”
Well Eye Never 
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