1. DENIAL about the disease and its effects on the person who's been
diagnosed. I know he/she is going to get better.
2. ANGER at the person with the disease: that no effective treatments or
cures currently exist, and that people don't understand what's going on.
If he/she calls me one more time, I'll Scream.
3. SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL from friends and activities that once brought
pleasure. I don't care about getting together with the neighbors
anymore.
4. ANXIETY about facing another day and what the future holds. What
happens when he/she needs more care than I can provide?
5. DEPRESSION begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to
cope. I don't care anymore.
6. EXHAUSTION makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily
tasks. I'm too tired for this.
7. SLEEPLESSNESS caused by a never-ending list of concerns. What if
he/she falls and is seriously injured?
8. IRRITABILITY leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and
reactions. Leave me alone!
9. LACK OF CONCENTRATION makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. I
was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment.
10. HEALTH PROBLEMS begin to take their toll, both mentally and
physically. I can't remember the last time I felt good.
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