Celebrate Thanksgiving Every Day!
Dear Caregivers,
I know that sometimes it’s unrealistic, or perhaps seems hypocritical, to say you are grateful during times that are truly stressful. We all go through hard times, and caregivers of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s experience some of the hardest times of all.
Still, it’s important to remember that often the only thing you can change in stressful times is your mental approach to what is happening to you and your loved one. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown practicing gratitude can be a significant factor in your overall mental health. Study after study have shown that practicing gratitude can have a big effect on a person’s overall satisfaction with their life, as well as lower their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This can lead to better sleep and reduced inflammation, which are crucial for maintaining brain health.
Here are some ways you might bring a “gratitude” frame of mind to your day:
Make gratitude a partner to your everyday challenges. It’s impossible to ignore the day-to-day hardships of being a caregiver to a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Still, you can bring gratitude along for the ride, as a way to ease the negative emotions that may well up from time to time. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Focus on “what is there” rather than “what is gone.” Alzheimer’s can rob your loved one of so many capabilities, but you can choose to pay attention to the small gifts of a day such as happily sharing a favorite song together, or enjoying a big smile.
Take sustenance from the humanity of your work. Surely, caregiving has so many tasks from day to day that it's sometimes hard to keep up with your “to do” list. But try to keep in mind the life of the human being that you are so importantly helping to get through this phase in their life.
“Practice” gratitude: Experts propose keeping a journal, writing down a few things that you are grateful for on a regular basis These can be spending a special moment together, or an act of kindness, or one of peace. Take time to express gratitude to your loved one for all they have done for you and your family through the years, and for the community that is supporting you in these efforts.
As part of that community of care, we at NAN want to express our deep and heartfelt thanks for all you do, every day. I also want to thank you on behalf of any of your loved ones who may not be able to express themselves but would undoubtedly say “thank you” if they could.
Here are some more resources about exploring gratitude:
Keep a Daily Journal:
Journaling has shown to provide relief from grief and anger, reduce depression, improve self-care, and enhance relationships when used with adults in mental healthcare settings. Here’s how to start.
Challenges of Role Reversal in Caregiving:
You likely spent most of your life seeing your parent as a provider, protector, and decision-maker. Now, it is you who are in the role of being provider, protector, and decision-maker in your parent's life. Here’s how to manage that transition.
Finding the Joy as a Family Caregiver:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."
— Meister Eckhart
