Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic illness?  This is a holy role. It  strips us to our core.  We encounter our patience or lack of patience, our forgiveness and inability to forgive.  We face our family dynamics.  Why am I the caregiver for this person who sometimes is so hard to love?  Â
What stress are you experiencing? Â It’s important to monitor your own stress.
 These questions are from the  Caregiver Resource Network.
It’s important to monitor how you are doing.
Yes/ No  — During this last week I have: Â
- Â Had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing.
- Felt that I could not leave my relative/ care recipient alone.
- Had difficulty making decisions.
- Felt completely overwhelmed.
- Felt useless and unneeded.
- Felt lonely.
- Been upset that my relative/ care recipient has changed so much from his/her former self.
- Felt a loss of privacy and/ or private time.
- Been edgy or irritable.
- Had sleep disturbed because of caring for my relative/ care recipient.
- Had a crying spell(s).
- Felt strained between work and family responsibilities.
- Had back pain.
- Felt ill (headaches, stomach problems, or common cold).
- Been dissatisfied with the support my family has given me.
- Found my relative/care recipient’s living situation to be inconvenient or a barrier to care.
If you answered yes to 8 or more questions, chances are that you have a high level of distress. Â If fewer than 8 probably you have a low degree of stress. Â
What are some ways that you handle stress? Â Some possibilities:
- Â Deep breathing exercises. Â Google for more information how.
- Exercise: Â run, walk, keep moving best you can
- Massage.
- Explore the arts: Â music, drawing, needle craft, painting
- Connect with others via support groups, church, synagogue
- Books. Â Try Traveling Mercies by Ann Lamott
- Meditation and reading spiritual resources
Check around for local resources where you can get support as you carry out this holy role.
Ephesians3:16:  I pray that  out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
