Writing is a way to find your voice
When you’re taking care of someone else, so much of your life becomes about them.Sometimes it can feel like you’ve forgotten who you are anymore. Writing is a way to reconnect with you — what you’re experiencing, your opinions, your passions, your hopes.
Writing out your experience lightens the load
It can get so loud in your head. The volume on the cynical dial is turned up so high your neighbors are knocking. Everything feels dark, scary and confusing when it’s all kept inside. Writing is a way to relieve you of the mental burden of worry, anxiety, anger, and other exhausting emotions. When we keep our scariest thoughts locked upstairs, it’s no wonder we feel alone. Getting them out on the page, sharing them with someone, takes away some power of the thought. Writing releases you from thoughts moving in torturous circles.
It helps others to read your experience
We never know how our experience can benefit another. Often your story provides a reader with a relief from his/her thoughts. Your story helps the reader feel “apart of,” rather than “apart from.” Sometimes it’s just nice to know that we’re not the only ones going through this. The ways you cope and care might be new techniques to another caregiver. And you might learn from others by reading their experience too.
It’s a great way to meet people
Writing about the things that interest you and what’s going on in your life is a great way to connect with other people who share those interests and experiences. Every piece you write is the chance to start a dialogue with other caregivers. Many friendships had their first spark in the comments of a blog post.
A response from another caregiver makes you feel less alone
There is almost nothing as healing as hearing the words “me too.” Shame, guilt, and worry can leave you feeling so alone. But when someone else shares that they are going through the same thing, you’re part of a team. The pain of feeling different is lifted. Don’t worry, another caregiver knows what you’re going through.
That is so very true.
I’m 68. I live with my 93 yo mom since she fell last October. So now it’s January. My husband feels abandoned and I suppose it’s true. My youngest son came to live with us. They both look forward to the day when my mom dies and we all get to live in her house for “free”. I think that’s going to take a really long time. I’m a wreck.
let’s others know they are not alone!
Makes you feel part of something other than your own invisible bubble!! Also nice to encourage when you can, offer a suggestion that has worked for you or just vent.
Being able to share in the exchange of information and resources. Plus, some people don’t get my sense of humor on here and/or they aren’t a caregiver. One has to laugh and make light of some tough situations. It’s my coping mechanism.
Yes. Gallows humor has its place.
Oh, and laugh together of the silly things we do to just have a cup of coffee.
I did that with 5 other people about 2 months ago on this site. You know every morning I chuckle to myself about that while I drink my coffee.
I may not remember their names but I remember the laughs we had about each of us.
Just had to share that.
It’s good to vent. It’s also good because you may see the same people commenting. They may become friends.
Learn new techniques.
Understand you’re not alone.
That right there makes a difference.
I’m not sure yet. Maybe one day I’ll have an answer. For now, I’m just gonna keep on being me and loving my hubby❤️
It helps me vent and share my pain. What I share might help others in understanding they are not alone. I am able to pass on tips I’ve learned along the way. Loneliness is a big factor in being a caregiver (at least for me it is) and support groups like this helps with that loneliness.
Yes, we do have loneliness, but knowing that you aren’t the only one going thru this helps.
Even reading about caregivers in a novel helps. We all need the refreshment of the assurance, “I am not alone.” I’m not alone in the emotions I feel, or the burden I carry, or the times when I don’t like how I responded, or the times when I responded brilliantly and no one will ever notice, especially the person for whom I’m caring… When I read about a caregiver who is accurately portrayed in a novel, I’m grateful that someone got it right. Someone found a way to put “this…all this” on paper.