References How can caregiving affect my work? Many people find it hard to balance work and caregiving. Medical appointments for the patient and other tasks of care can interrupt your work day. You may be sleeping poorly or distracted by feelings of fatigue, uncertainty and fear, anger, depression, or anxiety. You may find yourself working less hours or not as [...]

References What is caregiver fear and uncertainty? Uncertainty is the inability to know what will happen in the future. Cancer and cancer treatment can be scary and unpredictable. Feelings of fear and uncertainty can be triggered by not knowing how the disease will impact the patient and family physically, emotionally, and financially or [...]

References What is caregiver anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, discomfort, or impending doom. It is common for people taking care of someone with cancer to experience anxiety. It can be caused by a loss of control, fear for the patient’s well-being, worry over family finances, uncertainty about the future, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Caregivers [...]

References What is caregiver anger? Many caregivers feel angry at some point. They may curse, yell, get irritated, withdraw, or even get physically sick. Caregiver anger usually comes from feeling out of control, overwhelmed, anxious, scared, tired, or stressed. As a caregiver, you may feel angry that others are not helping enough, or angry at yourself for [...]

References What is substance abuse? Substance abuse is the overuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications. The line between use and abuse is not always clear. A person has to decide where the line is for him or herself. Substance abuse may feel like a loss of control, an inability [...]

References Why is it important to ask for and accept help? Caring for someone with cancer can be hard, time-consuming, and stressful. As a caregiver, you are at increased risk of emotional, mental, and physical health problems. You may feel stress, anger, anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness, and uncertainty. Caregivers need help. Some caregivers [...]

References What is caregiver fatigue? Fatigue is an overwhelming sense of tiredness. If you are fatigued, you may have little energy to do the things you normally do - even if you are getting enough sleep. You may feel tired all the time, weak, worn out, slow, or heavy. You may also feel [...]

References What is caregiver burnout and stress? Taking care of another person can be stressful. Everyone has some stress, but too much can harm your health, relationships, and enjoyment of life. Caregiver burnout happens when you are in a state of stress or distress for a prolonged period of time. It can affect [...]

References Why is it important to pay attention to my eating now? Eating right can be difficult when you’re caring for someone with cancer. Appointments may get in the way of meals. You might not like the food at the hospital or transfusion center. You may not have time or energy to cook. [...]

References What are caregiver sleep problems? Sleep problems include insomnia (the inability to fall or stay asleep), hypersomnia (problems staying awake), poor quality sleep, or inability to stay asleep. Sleep problems can change the way you think and feel. If you haven’t had a good night's sleep, you may feel tired, irritable, jittery, [...]