A Caregiver's Guide to Lupus

Warning signs you are doing too much include:

• Do you feel that no matter how hard you work and plan, things are just not getting done?
• Are caregiving responsibilities interfering with your relationships, your health, and your own home and family?
• Are you stressed, tense, and exhausted most of the time?
• If you are feeling one or more of these issues, then you need to enlist someone to help you. They can take over some of the caregiving duties or can help you at home or work.
• Use some of these ideas in your own life as a caregiver to avoid stress and avoid undue strain on your physical and mental health.
• Don’t skip your own meals. Eat regularly and eat healthy.
• Don’t’ forget to exercise. Even a walk around the block will help you relieve stress and promote good health.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation and don’t use drinking to strengthen your resolve to be a good caregiver.
• Make sure you get regular checkups from your medical professionals. You need to be on your top game physically to take on the challenges of a caregiver.
• Arrange for someone to “spell” you when you need time off. You need a shopping trip, a long soak or time at the spa.
• Join a support group. Look online or in community bulletins. There are all types and kinds of support groups to help you cope.
• Be positive. You will find there are situations you cannot handle, and that’s okay.