Contents:
- Medical Video: Tips for Living with COPD
- Tip 1: Take care of yourself
- Tip 2: Take control of your stress level
- Tip 3: Don't be afraid to ask for help
- Tip 4: Join the community
- Tip 5: Remember, you are a hero
Medical Video: Tips for Living with COPD
We definitely want to take care of our loved ones ourselves to provide the best care and relieve their pain. It seems ironic, but sometimes we can end up in the hospital because we are too focused on caring for our loved ones. That's why we compiled the following tips so you can look after yourself while caring for your patients.
Tip 1: Take care of yourself
Many people often focus too much on the health of sufferers so they forget their own health. Remember, your health is the health of your patient. Spend a little time relaxing, exercising and eating healthily.
You are a role model for your loved ones and by setting a good example, so you can encourage sufferers to do the same. We know it's difficult, but try not to let what your loved one is experiencing affects you.
Tip 2: Take control of your stress level
Caring for someone can make fatigue even the most healthy person. Chronic stress due to caring for a loved one with lung disease can potentially cause your own health problems. Common signs of stress include the following:
- feeling sad or moody
- cry more often than usual
- feelhavenot energized
- feel like you don't have time for yourself
- having trouble falling asleep, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning
- having trouble eating oreat too much
- meet friends or relatives less often than usual
- lose interest in hobbies or things you normally do with friends or family
- feeling angry at the person you are caring for, in someone else, or in the situation
It's easy to feel burdened when you care for other people. Take time for yourself. Exercise long distance running, or do yoga or meditation to release some of your daily stress.
Tip 3: Don't be afraid to ask for help
You are not alone. You can contact family members, doctors, or support groups (support group) There are also many organizations that offer advice for families of sufferers.
Many people feel guilty for giving up responsibility to others. This may be because they feel that it is their responsibility or that they do not want to burden others. However, you are not a superhuman and no one expects you to become a COPD nurse.
You might be surprised by the number of people who don't mind taking responsibility for one or two days. Write a list of ways you can bestow care responsibilities to others. For example, you can delegate some responsibility to a family member or patient friend.
Just by spending about an hour on yourself once a week, you can significantly improve your mood. This can give you personal time to do a massage, have lunch with friends, or watch a movie. You might even find that your patient is enjoying a short vacation.
Tip 4: Join the community
Let's emphasize once again: You are not alone. Talking with other people who go through the same thing is a great way to get emotional support. People in support groups, who have been or are undergoing obstacles that are exactly like you, can be a form of extraordinary emotional support.
Many communities have support groups where fellow caregivers offer advice and support. You can even find support on the internet and find local support groups in your area. Just by talking to someone about your days, you can reduce stress levels and lead a healthier lifestyle. Over time, you might get new friends.
Tip 5: Remember, you are a hero
We know that treating COPD sufferers is a full-time job, and this might be easier said than done. One thing we always hear repeatedly from patients is that their nurses are their heroes.
You are a smart, extraordinarily strong, merciful and giving person. Without you, your loved one will have limited choices. Praise yourself and reward yourself for what you have achieved.
Regardless of whether you are a spouse, family member, trained professional or friend, running a caregiver role for someone who suffers from COPD or other lung disease is not an easy task. There can be great sadness, feelings of isolation, and stress due to lack of entertainment and personal time.
It is important to take the initiative to improve the quality of life for both your loved ones and yourself. By feeling better, you will be able to help your loved ones feel better.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
