LIFE ISSUES Coping with Change in a Crisis Role reversals and other changes in the medical assistance to relief workers who can offer you a much-needed nature and status of relationships are responsible for a great deal of stress in break. Consult with a CJE nurse or social worker, for example, who can our everyday lives. Dealing with the emotional, physical and financial strains help you plan and arrange for support services. of caregiving is difficult for anyone, but men fear they will not be up to the challenge. Without a support system Studies show, however, My wife has always (and this is true of any that men are often quite caregiver, regardless of been the caregiver, gender), the caregiver can good at assuming the but now she's ill and begin to experience role of caregiver. In fact, men who take on this it's my turn to take exhaustion, burnout and role for the first time do it even resentment towards care of her. remarkably well. the person for whom he or What do I do? she is caring. Obviously, That said, there are Can I really do this? you can't do a good job certain things to keep in no matter what type of work you do-if you aren't mind. Men who begin to A loving husband taking care of yourself. take care of a spouse, partner or loved one have a tendency to try and go it alone. Unlike women This means taking the time to do something you enjoy. Whether it's who tend to seek out help, men bowling, reading a book, attending a believe they should be able to do sports event or going for a run, it's everything themselves. Remember, no essential you don't stop doing the man is an island. It is very important to activities which rejuvenate and restore ask for help, whether from other family you as a person. You may not be able members, friends or professionals. Asking for help, often viewed by men as to do them as often as before, but you a sign of weakness or an indication that must care for yourself. As a caregiver, your mental health is just as important they are not strong or capable, is as that of your loved one. So take it absolutely critical to creating a seriously and seek help. • successful caregiving situation-for both the caregiver and the person receiving the care.
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Start by asking your children to get involved (men typically hesitate to ask their kids for help of any kind), and go from there. Talk to others; join a support group; get connected to support services. There is a vast network of resources available to help caregivers with everything from housework and