Supporting a person with dementia requires time and energy. While it can be a rewarding experience, it can also be demanding and stressful. Knowing and recognizing signs of stress in yourself is key. If the following symptoms occur, call your doctor or contact your local Alzheimer Society for help.
1) Denial…about dementia and its effect on the person with dementia. “Everyone is overreacting. I know Mom will get better.”
2) Anger…at the person with dementia, yourself and others. “If they ask me that question once more I will scream!”
3) Withdrawing socially…you no longer want to stay in touch with friends or participate in activities you once enjoyed.
“I don’t care about getting together with friends anymore.”
4) Anxiety…about facing another day and what the future holds. “I’m worried about what will happen when I can no longer provide care.”
5) Depression…you feel sad and hopeless a lot of the time. “I don’t care anymore. What’s wrong with me?”
6) Exhaustion…you barely have the energy to complete daily tasks, or much else.
7) Sleeplessness…you wake up in the middle of the night or have nightmares and stressful dreams.
8) Emotional reactions…you cry at minor upsets; you are often irritable.
9) Lack of concentration…you have trouble focusing and you find it difficult completing complex tasks.
10) Health problems…you may lose or gain weight, get sick more often.
Source: The Alzheimer Society of Canada
