So I'm 32 and I've been caregiving for my mom since I was 22. During weekends, I sometimes feel lonely because I don't have any friends since I work from home and I'm a caregiver for my mom. I thought this loneliness would go away since I started going over to my brother's last year and spending time with my nephews and sister in law. But family can't take the place of being around people your own age and the joy that comes from that. And I'm sad because I feel like I will never be able to enjoy being young the way I would like.
I'm really sorry you're going through this. I am 38 but am feeling the same way. My mom and I never really got along well, and I had to become her full time caregiver on short notice. Due to her state of health she feels she doesn't need care so she gets aggressive and it's especially hard for me to deal with that. Truly the most thankless and difficult thing I've done this far in my life. I guess saying this isn't much help ... just wanted you to know you are not alone.
Thanks for the reply, Vi Springs. My mom and I don't get along either. We do sometimes but only when we occassionally watch a movie together. Other than that, I only talk to her when I'm helping her with something and even then we end up fighting because she gets mad at small things. She's been physically nurturing but emotionally abusive all my life and it sucks that I still have to put up with it at my age.
What do you do to cope? I play video games, do digital drawing, and journal. I also write poetry since it's been a dream of mine to be a writer, though I almost gave up up on it when I became a caregiver. I also take some time away from my mom by going to my brother's since he lives nearby. I also have some online support from internet friends.
I think it's great that you write poetry! I've always wanted to but don't have the talent. It's nice to be able to visit family to get away a little too. My family has made it clear they are not to be involved. So I don't even try to pretend I want to be around them anymore. I'm always looking for more and better ways to cope. The biggest help for me right now is just listening to music or a podcast or anything really on ear buds while helping mom with something. It gives me a less obvious way to tune out of what abusive thing she might be saying while still getting the task done. I meet up with friends online sometimes, but often have to cancel because of mom's needs. My mom and I share the same faith, so that's nice to be able to have that. When I take her to church I feel like it's something for me too and not just her. Mostly I just try to remind myself that this is just a chapter. It's bittersweet of course, but it will be a new chapter soon and I'm doing what I must for now. I also take online courses to try to be better prepared for that time and I can focus on my career again.
Glad you have podcasts and music to help you cope. I mostly just try not to stay in the same room with her for too long (I live with her). We do our own thing when we stay at home unless we watch a movie together. We don't really have issues unless she asks me to help with something and she blows up all of the sudden.
Glad she's not tech savvy so I can at least have an online social life. I hope you'll be able to have the career you want again someday. Thanks again for hearing me out.
I can understand your mood. You can start by making friends online. Chat with people who share similar interests. What hobbies do you have? Do you like special, funny and unique challenges? Try the skibidi toilet game online now
Try talking to some friends online and meet up or play burrito craft
I think it's great that you write poetry! I always wanted to but didn't have enough talent. It's nice to be able to visit family for a little getaway. My family has made it clear that they are not participating Fnaf. So I don't even try to pretend that I want to be with them anymore. retro games