Parkinson’s disease is a terrible progressive illness which not only affects the person who has developed it but also puts a strain on those around them who care for them day in and day out. Not only do they have to see their loved ones going from healthy well balanced individuals to invalids, they also have to go about their own daily life and cope with day to day living. Some of the most common feelings the care giver will have are:

Tension and fatigue

More often than not those caring for someone with Parkinson’s will be putting their needs before those of their own, stress and lack of sleep will bring about tension and tiredness in the care giver.

Irritability

Caring for someone in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease will be a 24 hr 7 day a week duty, tension from this will quickly mount if no respite is given. The lack of sleep and worries not only about your loved one but also about coping with life in general can bring irritability to even the calmest person.

Resentment

Resentment is a normal feeling which the care giver will have and they shouldn’t feel ashamed to feel this way, there will also be many other feelings such as guilt, sadness or disappointment again these are all natural feelings given the circumstances.

Anger

Tension will normally bring about feelings of anger we have all felt it at some time in our lives, we will often lash out with hurtful words aimed at those we love only to be horrified and distressed by what we did.

Be able to recognise your limitations

With all the best will in the world we cannot do everything we want to or what we think we should. The care giver will have tremendous responsibilities but they should also know that they can and should ask for help when the stress and strain becomes too much for them to bear.

Talk with someone

Don’t let the pressure get too much before reaching out to someone; this could be a dear friend offering a shoulder to cry on, a counsellor, therapist, doctor or social worker. While your loved one needs help there are times when the care giver does too and everyone understands this but the caregiver themselves.

Learn to spot the signs of stress and deal with them

Common signs of stress are:

• Feelings of tightness in the chest or the inability to take a deep breath.
• Frequent headaches.
• Stomach aches.
• Weight problems either loss or gain.
• Feeling very tearful.
• Withdrawal from social life.
• No interest in sex.
• Turning to alcohol or tranquilizers.
• Grinding of the teeth or pain around the jaws.