Caregiver guilt is the product of thoughts that they haven’t done enough for their loved one.
- It can be the flip side to resentment that the caregiver has for needing to devote so much time and energy to the person who has a diagnosis, unresolved issues with that person or others in proximity or comparing themselves to other people or situations.
- It can also be the result of the caregiver’s own unresolved issues.
- There are things that the caregiver can do to gain a healthy perspective and resolve their own issues that will help them to move past the guilt.
- Take time to grieve
- Forgive or make amends
- Own it in a healthy way
- Acknowledge mistakes
- Become a deliberate student of your mistakes
- Consult with others to gain their perspective
- Become curious