Taking care of the caregiver

[elizabetht]

Hi, Thank all of you for discussing the emotional needs of caregivers.  There are people out there just like me and I am not nuts. My friend is postponing dialysis as long as possible because she is so afraid.  She wants me with her all the time and I can't do that.  I have volunteered at our local hospital two days a week and she hates it eventhough I am only .6 of a mile from home.  I have also planned to go to the hospitals 100th gala in October and she is doing her best to convince me I won't like it. I take medication for depression which I had long before her sickness occurred and see a therapist.  I run projects in the house like remodeling the attic just to keep my mind on something beside sickness.  She chides me for my projects and agendas all the time. I also keep a journal where I blow off steam regularly.

[goofynina]

Elizabeth,  Please dont take this the wrong way but do you think that your friend has a big part in your depression.  Maybe she is just being too needy and you not being able to be there for her as much as she would want you to be is affecting you.  I understand she is your friend and all but you do have a life of your own to live.  Just my