The Lost Identity of Caregivers

I'm Peter Rosenberger and this is your Caregiver Minute. Caregivers often lose their own identity, which has disastrous effects. How can we care for someone else when we lose ourselves? Ask a caregiver, how are you doing? And you'll often hear replies such as, we're doing okay, or she had a bad night, or he just got home from the hospital. Caregivers often struggle to speak in first-person singular. But it's critical for us to learn to express, I'm tired, I'm lonely, I'm scared, or I'm angry. And then we can seek the help we desperately need. We can reclaim healthy identities by cultivating trusted and appropriate relationships. In those relationships, caregivers can safely express feelings and challenges with someone who understands their needs. Doctors, counselors, pastors, support groups can all help us regain our identity so that we, as whole persons, can better care for our loved ones. Your Caregiver Minute with Peter Rosenberger is brought to you by Medishare, affordable, biblical healthcare. There's more information at Medishare.com.