Becoming a caregiver can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. And when you’re in a relationship, this major lifestyle change can also have an impact on you and your partner.
Perhaps the two of you used to be spontaneous, and now, you need to make plans well in advance. Maybe money is tight since you became caregivers. Or maybe you’re so busy with caregiving duties that you barely have time for each other.
As caregivers, you and your partner are facing lots of challenges that can leave you questioning your relationship. Here are a few problems you might be dealing with, as well as some tips for overcoming them.
Excluding Your Own Needs
When you’re a caregiver, someone else’s needs are your top priority. You always have to put yourself second. As a result, you and your partner have to exclude your own individual needs and your needs as a couple.
Sometimes, the best way to make a little room in your life for your relationship is by asking for help. This could mean enlisting other family members to help out with caregiving, or hiring a professional caregiver to assist you with in-home care.
Higher Stress Levels
Being a caregiver is stressful. You’re always concerned about your loved one’s wellbeing. Plus, you might be balancing a full-time job on top of caregiving, which could easily be a job all on its own.
If you’re stressed, you might be prone to snapping at your partner. How can you relieve some of this stress? Choose relaxing activities when the two of you have downtime. This could mean yoga, meditation, or simply curling up with a good book to escape for a while.
Financial Troubles
Perhaps you’re supporting your loved one financially in your caregiver role. This can put additional stress on your relationship. When funds are limited, it’s hard to find opportunities for enjoyment outside of your home—at a time when you could really use a little more excitement.
To best manage your money, consider scheduling a meeting with a financial advisor. They can help you make smart budgeting decisions and connect you with free or low-cost services for caregivers that you may not have been aware of.
Lack of Socializing
It’s tough to socialize when you’re a caregiver. You might have limited time to spend with your friends, or they might not understand why you and your partner are no longer able to drop everything and meet up with them for dinner and drinks. But it’s important to spend time with people besides your partner, especially when you’re a caregiver because it gives you a chance to truly relax.
Talk to your friends about making plans well in advance, choosing restaurants or other gathering spots in your neighborhood, or even coming to your house to hang out.
Difficulty Planning
When you’re a caregiver, it’s not just challenging to make plans with your friends. It can also be tough for you and your partner to plan for your future as a couple. You may not know how long you’ll be handling caregiver duties, or you might feel like you have very limited options for your future as long as your loved one is dependent on you.
If you’re concerned about your future together because of your caregiving role, you may want to work with a therapist for guidance. They can help you weigh your options and make long-term plans that work for both of you.
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Are you and your partner feeling overwhelmed by caregiving duties? Therapy can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.