Isolation

"To feel isolated is part of the human journey.  But when we obey the feelings of hesitation and separation more powerfully than those of love, we start to experience numbness and depression." Mark Nepo

I think this is part of the depression caregivers have:  the isolation that caregiving entails. We are so burdened by responsibilities, and some of us with 24/7 care, that the reality is we are isolated.  It is important for us to have support systems.  Some people find that support in local caregiving group meetings.  Each of us needs to find the support we need to do this task of caregiving with love.  It is important for the loved one, too, to not be too isolated.  The care facility is starting a new program where one staff member will engage a few people in activities.  It is designed for people like my loved one who do not want to sit and watch television or be part of a big group.  The staff member has taken time to ask what interests my loved one has, and I have provided materials for him along those interests.  It will be interesting to see how this goes.  I appreciate the effort of the care facility.