Caregivers and Stress

[Medusa]

This thread popped up on the front page and is so timely right now.

I thought I would be a lot older when my parents started having severe health issues and I was put into the role of caregiver (even on a semi basis).

I've talked openly about my Pops and his struggle with Cancer, the VA healthy system, and my role in his care. I have found myself frustrated, sad, angry, and mentally exhausted at different times during the journey of his care and hospital visits and stays. I've looked around online for support and it has helped some to know other people go through all of the emotions too.

At this point, my Pops is Cancer-free and can lead a normal life but basically has regressed from a man who used to never want anyone to do anything for him because he "could do it himself" to this person who expects me to do *everything* for him. Anything from calling a cable company for him to doing his taxes. He is capable of doing these things but it's almost like he got comfortable with not having to handle anything. Needless to say, we've had to have conversations about how he has got to step back up and handle certain things in his life because I am working full-time and still going to school full-time and can't take on some of that stuff.

It's tough and worth it but there are days when I am emotionally tired.