How to Cope with Anger as a Family Caregiver

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | October 27, 2016 | Comments Off on How to Cope with Anger as a Family Caregiver
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Feeling angry now and again is not as uncommon as you would think for a family caregiver. All kinds of situations can provoke anger, such as your loved one’s health problems, how she deals with them, or how other family members react.

Forgive Yourself for Feeling Angry

Often, right after you feel yourself expressing anger, you feel guilt fast on its heels. You have to be able to forgive yourself for experiencing the emotion of anger. That doesn’t mean that you condone everything you said or did while angry, of course, but you can forgive yourself for feeling the anger. Learning to express your anger in healthy ways can come afterward.

Look for Ways to Cope with Your Anger Productively

You may not be able to express anger in a healthy way right away. In cases where your loved one has frustrated or angered you, for example, it may be an hour or more before you can do much about your feelings of anger. Taking a walk can be a healthy way to work off the energy anger can bring. You may also find that venting to a friend can help you to work through your anger in a healthier way.

Learn When a “Time Out” Will Help

Some situations are perfect for a time out. This means that you allow yourself to simply walk away for a little bit to let your feelings of anger subside. You may find time outs even more effective if you have someone such as a senior care provider who can stay with your loved one until you feel more like you can handle the situation. Taking a time out isn’t a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s a way for you to remove yourself from a difficult situation temporarily.

Form a Strong Support Network

The stronger your personal support network, the more likely you’ll be to use it when you’re feeling angry. Your own support network can be made up of friends, other family members, neighbors, support group members, and even a mental health professional. Each can offer a unique level of support depending on your needs and what situation you’re working through.

If you need more constructive help dealing with anger while caregiving, work with a therapist or counselor that you trust.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional caregiver services in Hunterdon, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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