by Marifran Cooper
Nursing literature has identified caregivers as the “Hidden Patient(s)”. Research has uncovered the hidden burdens and stresses that may be compromising the health and well being of the family caregiver. Unfortunately, many caregivers are so busy that they don’t get or even realize that they need the support unless they themselves are sick, just exhausted and completely overwhelmed.
The caregiver’s health and well being suffers. They will go to a medical appointment if they have an urgent problem. Caregivers are at a higher risk of physical and mental illness, as well as financial problems. Most often, the care giving responsibility fall upon the women in the family.
The health and wellness community needs to make a conscious effort to identify, assess and assist these “hidden” patients as persons who are in need of nurturing, support and respite care as they deal with their unique challenges either part-time or full-time.
I see this as a wonderful opportunity for hypnotists!
Having been a caregiver to my elderly parents, I have first hand knowledge of the struggles adult children can experience as they are caught between their nuclear family and their elderly parent needs. Many emotions are triggered along this road; some joyful and some not. Inadequacy comes from not being able “…to be all things to all people”. Frustration comes when you’ve repeated yourself for the um tenth time. Sadness, comes when you realize the caregiver child has become the parent. Anger, comes when you feel overwhelmed, tired and there is no one else to help. Guilt comes after the anger and you chide yourself for not being more tolerant! Fear comes when they’re in pain and you can’t make them feel better or how to fix it! Loneliness comes when life becomes job, parents, sleep…job, parent, sleep. And lastly, depression. Depression comes when it all seems a “merry-go-round” and you believe “That’s all there is!” to your life.
Hypnosis is a unique option for the caregiver’s health and well being. 7th Path Self-Hypnosis® is a Mind-Body-Spirit practice that can strengthen the caregiver so they can meet the special challenges adult-children face. Self-hypnosis CDs that focus on self-confidence and ego-strengthening enhances caregiver’s strengths. And lastly, a monthly Caregiver Support Circle where caregivers can come to discuss and share their challenges… realizing, that they are not alone in their situation. The second part of the circle’s agenda would include a group hypnosis session focusing on re-enforcing self-confidence and ego-strengthening for the participants.
So hypnotists, look outside the box! Caregivers need your help…. They just haven’t realized it yet!
