Self Care for the Caregiver

Caregivers can struggle with feelings of isolation or depression and experience physical and emotional fatigue. Part of your journey as a caregiver is learning to give yourself a break.

Release any shame or blame you may feel or others may imply.

• Your loved one’s cancer is not anyone’s fault. Delays or mistakes by healthcare providers are not your or your loved one’s fault.
• Other people don’t have a right to question medical choices made and treatment paths followed.
• Focus on what you can do and not on what you can’t change.

Make space for self-care. Taking care of yourself will allow you to better care for your NET patient.

• Take care of your own basic needs including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management.
• Address your own health issues. Keep up with your own preventative health maintenance including annual physicals, recommended screening tests, and vaccinations.
• Acknowledge your own suffering and experiences. While you are not the one living with cancer, you are affected by it. It may help to talk to a therapist or social worker.
• Remember what matters to you and carve out space for yourself. Find some time for things that spark joy, release stress and bring energy.

Build your own support system.

• Create your own circle of care. Make an effort to establish and maintain relationships that will provide you with necessary emotional support, assistance, and enjoyment as you care for your loved one.
• Seek and accept help from friends, family or professional caregivers.

Lisa Yen, NP, NBC-HWC NET Spouse / Caregiver