Hi
@Bikerbeth
Yes, work is manic. I’ve flatly refused to increase my availability. That went so badly last time and took me nearly three months to reverse. This time I’ve said they can phone me on a weekly basis and I “might” agree to extra hours for that week only. So far, it’s working well. I am doing nearly twice my regular hours, but at least I feel as though I can refuse if it’s getting too much
I know many of us are suffering burn out, relationship breakdowns and various levels of depression. The social media posts are sad to read. Previously they have been full of engagement announcements and wedding plans and expectations ... now they are full of hurt at betrayal, pain from lack of understanding by family and anger at “Ex” partners. It’s very sad
Previously I could suggest cafes, clubs, support groups, even pass on agencies that people could contact for guidance. It felt like there wasn’t a lot then ... now there is nothing. I suggest this forum and a few threads that are filled with information (How Bizzar) is top of the list, along with a few heart warming and funny ones.
There probably are some informal groups and charities filling a few gaps, but how do people even know where to look, if they are baffled by changes and don’t see anyone, don’t want to bother the GP’s and just keep muddling along. So many still think it’s just part of getting older and have no idea of the help they might be able to get, even just getting the right meds to reduce anxiety wouId change their lives. Yet, without anyone seeing them, they simply sink into the cracks.
I know it’s not my “job” to be councillor to family members, but who else do they see? So, I talk about my mum and the things I tried, or that my friends tried with their mums and dads. The looks on their faces when I suggest walking out the room and back in again or offering cake is priceless. Even better when they excitedly tell me it works.
If I thought caring for dementia was hard before, it’s truely isolating now, as many seem to think it’s just what life is for everyone now.
In other less depressing soul searching news ....
Pooch is spoilt. He climbs on my lap and is “groomed” for hours every day. He moans with pleasure and rolls over to have his tummy tickled, or nudges my hand when I’m reading or on the laptop. We go for walks, but he’s sad at not seeing lots of people, so I have to make it up to him. I’ve learnt to clip his nails and trim his coat, but I can’t seem to get him as white as the professional groomer did. He has an almost permanent beard .. he does not like his face being washed
?
Big brother was gradually improving, but has taken on a lot more work recently, which along with the looming tax return date, has caused its own stress. He finally went for a check up and his BP was so high they nearly admitted him ? He just doesn’t seem to care any more. That woman, the SIL, is doing nothing to help of course and as I can no longer visit, there isn’t much I can do. I take him shopping once a week, but it’s not the same as spending a few hours by a lake with him .. the opportunity to talk isn’t there now