Burnout with Guilt

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My mom moved in with my family of five and myself seven years ago. I have two siblings who do not help with Mom; they are MIA! She is bipolar, negative, disabled handicapped, diabetic, thyroid issues, bigger woman, and very much needy.

However, to me she is my sweet elderly mom and I love her, BUT I AM TIRED, GRUMPY, AND I FEEL UNDER APPRECIATED. NOT ONLY do I do all mom’s caregiving, I also have two sick children: a daughter with renal disease who is struggling with her pain, fears, and doctor appointments, and a son with autism and asthma.

I am SO angry that my siblings think it’s OK to leave it all on ME! I am resenting my mom sometimes because I can’t get a break! Whenever I try to get Sis to help with OUR mom there is always an excuse NOT TO HELP ME AND SHE CUTS MOM’S PHONE CALLS OFF.

WHEN I TRY TO GET OUT MY MOM IS ANGRY AND TREATS ME HORRIBLY! I AM THE ONLY ONE HERE FOR HER 24/7 AND I AM TREATED THE WORST! THEN SHE PLAYS A GUILT TRIP ON ME! I love my mom so much, BUT MY KIDS, MY LIFE MATTERS, TOO.

I will always be here for her, I SIMPLY NEED TO BREATHE! MY SIBLINGS call when they feel like it. Or when I ask them to! I need HELP! MY BACK is hurt but HAS messed up more from lifting mom, or bathing her ? .

I CAN DO THIS IF I HAD MORE BREAKS AND MORE TIME TO BE WITH MY KIDS W/O BEING told I am this horrible person for wanting to go out! I am not living! My kids are not living a normal, consistent, happy life! They have to wait and be SECOND TO MOM. It’s sad either way.

I AM LOST, SAD, ANGRY, GUILTY, but I LOVE MY KIDS AND MY MOM!
THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT!
PLEASE PRAY FOR A SOLUTION!


REPOST WITH PERMISSION from Caregiver.org (https://www.caregiver.org/story/burnout-guilt/)

Editor’s note: Finding a break (respite) from relentless caregiving is a common need for family caregivers! Here are a few suggestions:


We want to hear your story! Why? Because your story matters. Have you ever listened to someone talk about their life and thought ‘Oh, someone else has been through that, too? I thought it was just me!’ Every story shared is a chance to aid another caregiver and help them feel less alone

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