"What makes the difference between those who thrive as adults and those who don't?" David Crenshaw, PhD
Those of us who are caregivers for someone with dementia are susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent studies suggest three ways to help ourselves be more resilient after experiencing trauma: having strong supportive relationships, having a belief in a spiritual source - know God does not abandon us, and feeling successful in what we do. These are three ways to overcome the trauma that caregiving can cause. Even yesterday when I took Dwane to Walmart to look for a new bed cover for his bed, I briefly lost him twice. Very anxiety causing. I would be looking for a bed cover in one aisle and look up and he would be gone. No harm came from it as I found him quickly, but it did bring back memories of how often this happened before and how anxiety-causing it is. I think it is important for us to acknowledge the anxiety --- and consequently, trauma, that the task of caregiving can create for us. And, take action steps to recover from it.
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