school_house_400_clr_9041I woke up this morning thinking about all of our grandkids who will be starting back to school this month. As I reflected on how the things they learn will impact their lives, I decided this week would be a great time to start Caregiver School.

The first assignment is a self-assessment test. Go through it quickly and keep track of how many statements resonate with you.

___It’s hard for me to find time to do things I like to do. I have given up a lot of activities I used to enjoy.

___I have trouble sleeping, and I frequently wake up feeling tired and dreading the day ahead.

___I feel like I’ve lost touch with a lot of my friends.

___ I have dropped out of clubs, organizations, and social circles because I just can’t find the time to stay involved.

___ I have some alarming and/or annoying physical symptoms that I should probably discuss with my doctor.

___There are days when I feel very trapped.

___I know exercise is good for me, but I just don’t have time to go to a gym or a regularly scheduled class.

___I frequently feel angry, frightened, and/or sad. I suspect I may be a little depressed.

___I hesitate to ask family or friends to help because I don’t want to be a burden.

___I feel guilty because I get impatient or angry, and sometimes I’ve even wished his/her suffering would just end.

___Most days I don’t have the time or energy to take care of myself.

If you checked 4 or more statements, it is likely that you are suffering from caregiver burnout.

Video classes start tomorrow. You can follow them on Facebook, or if you want to make sure you never miss a post, you can sign up to receive your course material every day in an email by going to facebook.com/CaregiverHelp . Click on the little icon that looks like an envelope on the left-hand side of the page and enter your name and email address.

Please share this everyone you know who could benefit from receiving validation, encouragement and strategies for coping with the emotional stress of caregiving.