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Patriot profile picture
Caregiving
by Patriot
Last post
 5 hours ago
...See more I hate my life! I hate caregiving. My mother is 90 years old and my husband and I are stuck taking care of her. She doesn't cooperate at all.  I swear I want a better life for my husband and me.  I hate my life!!! My mother has created such a God awful series in my life.  My mother is a hoarder, so we can't get rid of anything in our home without her throwing a hissy fit, which creates an awful situation for us. i work full time, and when I get home, I can't relax because I have to take care of her then, try to clean but when we clean, my mother accuses us of throwing out items that she deems as valuable (which they're not).  I can't sleep anymore, I can't be happy anymore.  I wish God would take me to Heaven because I can't live like this anymore. Being a caretaker is beyond my capabilities.  
achris2831 profile picture
Ever feel alone?
by achris2831
Last post
 13 hours ago
...See more Hey everyone, I'm new here and giving this online support group a go. I live with my wife and 2 children, my 10 yo son who has autism and my 8 yo daughter. My wife has been experiencing intense health issues, including going from being able to hike 3 years ago to now being in a wheel chair. We are still trying to get a diagnosis for all her health stuff, having seen pain specialists, rheumatologist, a geneticist and others. I work full time to provide financially, handle the parenting duties, care for my wife, and take care of the household chores. I'm grateful for my wife and children, they're amazing. It's just at times the heaviness and stress gets to me and there's times I feel lonely - anyone else have that? What do you do?
energeticWest1129 profile picture
How a Difficult relationship with my mother
by energeticWest1129
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more I used to think of my mom as a codependent, controlling, narcissistic women. But now I feel touched as I grow older and putting myself on her shoes instead of evilizing her and victimizing myself. I feel very ashamed by myself for not being able to get ahead in life and I often feel like a dead-weights, a burden towards my mom and the rest of my family.  Both of my parents are already retired age and I feel a strong sense of responsibility that it's time for me to get ahead in life.  The issue is sometimes I have so much resistance towards my parents and specifically my mom. 
Hope profile picture
The family that you are not related to!
by Hope
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Hi all! I hope you are well. The word family is usually used to describe people we are related to in one way or another whether parents or siblings etc. However, there are many people we meet along the way that we are not related to but are very close with, sometimes more so than family. Tell us about someone you value like family!
CDanielle profile picture
Caregiving ups and downs
by CDanielle
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Hi there! I take care of my blind father with dementia and my wheelchair bound mother, all by myself. They can do a lot for themselves still, amazingly, yet needless to say Im stressed. I need my own job too, but no time. They take care of my needs for now. I have pretty severe anxiety so its not like Im one of those lucky people who are energizer bunnies with a gusto for life, though I do love my life. I am trying and it is my kitties, my fur babies, that keep me going when it gets hard. I so much wish to find others who are in or have been in, similar situations. Thank you for listening. :-)
Hope profile picture
Balancing Caregiving and the Holiday season
by Hope
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Hi everyone! The holiday season can be a mixed one to start with, some like, some dislike it but most find some joy, some stress in it.  For caregivers, it can also be a stressful juggling act. Balancing caregiving duties with holiday traditions can feel overwhelming, leaving you drained and burnt out Here are some tips to navigate the festive season with grace and self-care: * Prioritize meaningful moments with your loved ones and delegate or simplify tasks wherever possible. Remember, the most important gift you can give is your presence, not perfect meals. * Discuss your limitations and expectations with your family and loved ones. Enlist their help in decorating, cooking, or running errands. They want to support you, but they can't read your mind! * Explore festive virtual events or create new traditions that cater to your loved one's needs and your energy levels. * Schedule breaks for yourself, even if it's just a quick walk around the block or a solo cup of tea. Respite is essential to avoid burnout and recharge your caregiving batteries. * Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help. Whether it's hiring a grocery delivery service or getting a friend to wrap presents, accepting support frees up your time and energy for what truly matters. Remember, the holidays are for everyone, including caregivers! By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and embracing the joy, you can create a festive season that's filled with love, laughter, and happy memories for you and your loved ones. How do you navigate caregiving during the holiday season?
ItsPreeti profile picture
Parents Arent There
by ItsPreeti
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more We keep seeing Öh mother but some of us never had good memories with our mother/father. We had parents but not in actual-so we dont miss them when gone . Share your note what you would like to say to your parent/parents. Whether its stressed out or caring doesnt matter-share it . A note to a parent which you felt must have been understood . And incase you loved them-share that note too. 
PeggyMeghan111 profile picture
Family
by PeggyMeghan111
Last post
 Thursday
...See more My mum and my siblings are the one supposed to care for me but whenever I ask for help they are not able to support me
BookishWendy profile picture
Hubby
by BookishWendy
Last post
 Thursday
...See more My hubby is doing so much better since his stroke. His speech is back to normal and he eats fine. Still a little trouble swallowing liquids and a bit wony when he walks but doing better.
Fatmaisasoup profile picture
The problem of my life.
by Fatmaisasoup
Last post
 Wednesday
...See more My family got divorced and I am two years and until now I can't forgive the person who was the reason for their marriage. But I don't have more words to say, but those who have gone through the same experience, I wish they would tell me what to do, because I don't know how to concentrate on any need of thinking, and I became very sensitive and cry easily from accumulations.
Patriot profile picture
Caretaker Burn Out
by Patriot
Last post
 Tuesday
...See more I'm just so spent.  My husband and I have been taking care of my 90 year old mother for the past 4 years.  We've not had a vacation or a weekend away for 4 years. My husband is retired and I still work, so he takes care of Mom during the day and I take over when I get home from work and on the weekends.   Prior to my mom's illness (osteoarthritis-unable to move around unassisted but can still walk) we were very close. We enjoyed each other's company and had fun together. Since she became ill, I've seen a very different side to her. She's overly dramatic with her symptoms, demanding, unreasonable and mean.  She was tested for dementia and the results were she just has age related memory issues but not dementia. It's her attitude that has gotten me so down. She used to be fun, we (my husband and I) loved taking her places, taking her on trips with us, dinners etc... But now she is a bitter, ugly old woman who finds fault with all we do for her. If I clean her bathroom, she'll point out small specks I may have missed, we buy her good quality food, she won't eat it (we've wasted so much money on food for her that she says she likes, then won't eat), complains she wants socks, when we buy her socks she finds fault and won't wear them, the same with shoes & slippers. The list goes on and on.  Both my husband and I are just mentally exhausted. We have no help (can't afford Visiting Angels and we have no family nearby). We can't go anywhere to get away from her.  The only time we get a break is when she is sleeping.   I'm tired all the time, depressed, no motivation and feel hopeless.  My husband, while being a great support, feels the same. No energy, no motivation to do anything. We both feel like we're being held hostage by an ungrateful shrew who is determined to make us feel as miserable as she is and she is succeeding.  She cannot afford to go into a nursing home and my husband is old school and feels since we're her only family (both my brothers have passed in the last 10 years and my father passed 22 years ago) we need to keep her at home as long as we can.  Her doctors are not much help. They just want to put her on antidepressants (she refuses to take them).  Aside from that, they just take her temp, do her labs and send her out the door until next year.  I just needed to vent.  I never anticipated this happening to a woman who was so full of life and had such a great outlook. I also never anticipated how miserable and defeated I would end up feeling at this stage in my life. I see no hope for the future. 
SweetSugarBoost profile picture
Having an issues
by SweetSugarBoost
Last post
 Tuesday
...See more My sister is 12. When things don't go her way, she gets petty and upset. Today, she took one of my figurines and did something with it. I can't find it and it's one that doesn't fall (and if it does it's usually on my bed). I know the youngest didn't take it because he tells us that he did it once we notice. She on the other hand will lie until it's about forgotten and will slip up on it. I did confront her and told her that I do not like that. That it's not nice not right for her to do that just because she's mad and didn't get her way. Bringing up the phrase "Treat people how you want to be treated". I'm genuinely very upset and disappointed because I trusted them to not touch my stuff or do me dirty like that since I don't do that to them either. They know I don't mind it as long as they ask or tell me and put it back. I make sure to do the same. At the moment, I'm letting my anger settle and I'll retalk with her another time. What more can I do, especially to not escalate the situation?

Family & Caregivers

Welcome to Family & Caregivers! This is a supportive space to share your thoughts and experiences.

“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other,”  Richard Bach.

 

What are the different forum topics for Family & Caregivers?

Community Space: A place for introductions, icebreakers, games, community check-ins and discussions.

Family Relationships: A place for you to discuss all things relating to family relationships.

Support for Caregivers: Are you a caregiver? Get support and guidance here!

 How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, you can join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.

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 Family & Caregivers FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.

 Help! I still have a question! 

If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!


Community Guidelines

Guidelines Specific to Family Support Community

1) Be polite, and non-judgmental - Everyone has a different idea of what a "family".  No two families are alike, so please be open-minded and supportive to everyone who shares here. 

2) Please use appropriate language for all ages - This community supports both teens and adults.  Curse/cuss words will be removed from posts.  

3) Some topics may be triggering - If you find a topic here triggering please step away and take a moment of self-care. We try to be inclusive and discuss a wide variety of topics so there will be something for everyone.

4) read  the 7 Cups Forum Guidelines before sending your post  

 

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Questions & Answers https://www.7cups.com/qa-family-stress-23/    

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