Feeling Overwhelmed
My step father got his knee replaced, which means I'm going to have to spend the next six weeks (at least) taking care of him. I am so overhwlemed with that responsibility. Like the whole reason why he didn't go to a rehab facility was because I would home to take care of him because I don't work-
But the whole reason why I'm not working is because of my anxiety.
I can't say anything because that would make me a shitty person because like who says I can't take care of my parent? Its not like I'm too busy, or I have to take off work to do it, I literally have no reason not to aside from it causes a spike in my anxiey which is not anything my parents seem to comprehend.
I just feel like I'm cracking already and it hasn't even been a week.
@writerchick88
Caretaking is hard, hard work. How much assistance does he need? Can you build some self-care into your routine while he's otherwise occupied throughout the day?
@Mirea he's not one hundred percent reliant on me but it's not like I can just take off when it gets to be too much. The entire time I'd be gone if be worried about him. I'm sure I can go into the other room and take a break but the options for him were home or an inpatient rehabilitation clinic, so it probably couldn't be enough for me to stay calm.
Did he ask you first or did he just assume you'd say yes and go from there? Anxiety is very disabling. It's hard and at times not possible to care for another human when you're struggling to care for three things you're dealing with yourself.
@Casting1973 no, no one asked me. The option of him going to rehab wasn't even discussed. I'm sure I'll manage but it's going to be a L O N G six months for me with my level of anxiety being high.
Plus now I'm expected to do his physical therapy with/for him.
It wil be a long six months, but it is broken into days and minutes. Maybe if you keep saying things like "I will focus on just being present with him the next ten minutes." Then the next ten minutes and so on. Give yourself lots of mini breaks. Then it won't seem quite so overwhelming. You could also use the exercise time as a way of practicing your own breathing and relaxing.
Oops I meant to say six weeks. Maybe it will also help to remember that it is not six months. @bestVase7265
Hello! Anxiety can be a horrible disease that disables a lot of our daily functioning! Taking care of someone while they are sick/disabled is also a very heavy task to have to deal with. I think that you need to set your family down and try to explain to them about your anxiety, if they won't listen try to have your doctor explain it with your parent's around. It is very important that your family understand what you are going through. I am in the same boat with my anxiety--where I do not feel comfortable getting a job--so I started working at home:) It is pretty unconsiderate of your family to not even let you choose whether you care for him or not--whether you have a job or not--you still have a life and that should of been considered:( Try to take it day by day, step by step, and don't forget to take some time for yourself when you can (read a book, listen to music, go into a different room, etc.) I hope that you have a good day/night! :)