Emotions may run high during times of change. This is especially true for those of us who have taken on greater responsibilities than we did previously due to a major life change. For instance, those individuals who, for one reason or another, have considered serving as a primary caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease will likely experience many strong emotions as their lives change due to their loved one’s diagnosis and potential move-in.
One such emotion is anger. Feelings of anger, frustration, and resentment can crop-up for caregivers rather easily during this time of change, as not only must they attempt to handle challenging situations with their loved one (which often don’t go as anticipated), they must also cope with the fact that their time—and especially any “free” time—is not their own. For instance, instead of enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll by the pond, each afternoon, or attending a favorite exercise class, a caregiver may find him or herself driving a loved one to the clinic, the pharmacy, or a support group. As such, despite their love for their family member with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers often feel frustrated, angry, and resentful for the fact that life has changed in a way that seems to have created stress that wasn’t once there.
Keep in mind that if a major life change has your emotions running high that you’re not alone. Millions of people in the US and other parts of the world are in the same boat as you, so you’re sure to find resources to help you through this period of adjustment. Furthermore, you should keep in mind that these emotions are normal responses to stressful situations. That said, try to be patient with yourself as you adjust to your new circumstances, and try your best to find an outlet for your emotions that doesn’t cause your family members or other loved ones any distress.
