Chronic pain can make us feel guilty. We can feel like a burden to those who take care of us when we’re in pain, and this can lead to a cycle of shame and doubt. (Hint: you’re not a burden.) You don’t need to be ashamed of your pain and you don’t need to feel guilty — it’s not your fault. But what can you do to make sure your caretakers are supported?
Supporting Your Caretaker
Have a written plan in place
This can feel formal, but will save you in a pinch when you’re in too much too communicate what you need. When you’re feeling well, sit down with your caretaker and write out a plan for what you need when you’re in pain. Write what’s helpful, and what isn’t. Do you need them to get your medication for you? Your ice pack and ice mask? Do you need them to take over certain household duties or chores? Call into work for you? Whatever your specific plan, have it written out so you don’t need to plan when the pain hits.
Include your caretaker in your preventative care
Whether exercise, quiet time or healthy eating helps your migraines, include your caretaker in these plans. Maybe you can enjoy a healthy dinner together or a relaxing nature walk. Seeing these preventative steps as a joint activity will keep you both healthy and happy.
Encourage your caretaker to take care of themselves
Encourage your caretaker to eat well, get sleep and pursue their own passions and hobbies, whether you’re able to be there or not. If your caretaker is happy and secure with themselves, you’ll feel better about accepting their help.
Write your caretaker a letter
We don’t always have the right words for how much our caretaker means to us. And we definitely don’t have the words when we’re in pain. Take the time to write your caretaker a note about how much they mean to you. This will give you both something to look back on when you’re in the midst of the caretaking portion of your relationship.
Let your caretaker know they’re not alone
Just like you aren’t alone with your chronic pain, your caretaker isn’t the only person out there helping someone like you! There are online and real-life support groups for caretakers, which can be found through a Google search or a call to local hospitals or clinics. Outside support can just as important for caretakers as it is for patients.
You and your caretaker can have a special, rewarding relationship and guilt doesn’t need to be a part of it. Make sure you’re both taking care of your emotional health so you can be there for each other in equal measure.
Our Team: We are Here to Help
We are a small, dedicated app development team that wants you to better understand your migraines and triggers. Everyone on the team has lived with migraines at some point in their lives. We are your community, and we’re here to help. Reach out any time with questions. [email protected].
As always — please seek the advice of a doctor for medical questions. Our app team cannot give medical advice.
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