Passengers on a plane about to take off are instructed to put the oxygen masks on first before placing it on their children.
The same is true in caretaking situations.
Mental illness can take a large toll on family members.
Following are a few suggestions for getting some much needed time off time from caretaking responsibilities: 1.
Go dancing.
Saint Louis offers a multitude of dance opportunities including swing dancing, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and contra dancing.
There is an opportunity for every night of the week.
2.
Get involved in politics.
Not only are there volunteer opportunities in the two main parties.
There are also over twenty five alternative parties in the United States.
3.
Get involved in Church activities: Major churches incorporate a large variety of opportunities in their outreach programs.
Grace World Church in Saint Louis has AA groups, support groups for parents of teens, grief support groups, teen activities, senior citizen groups, and an active singles group.
4.
Schedule regular vacations.
We all need time off from daily routines.
In tough caretaking situations, it may be necessary to take one weekend a month for much needed rest and recreation.
When I was taking care of my mother I used to take one weekend a month at Pere Marquette Park in Alton, Illinois for a much needed break.
I used to return refreshed and ready to take on my responsibilities once a again.
5.
Seek out a support group for caregivers.
Talking, laughing, and sharing with others can be a major outlet for pent up feelings and frustrations.
Check with local hospitals for information on this important topic.
Nami, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill also has group resources.
Remember, take care of yourselves first!
The same is true in caretaking situations.
Mental illness can take a large toll on family members.
Following are a few suggestions for getting some much needed time off time from caretaking responsibilities: 1.
Go dancing.
Saint Louis offers a multitude of dance opportunities including swing dancing, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and contra dancing.
There is an opportunity for every night of the week.
2.
Get involved in politics.
Not only are there volunteer opportunities in the two main parties.
There are also over twenty five alternative parties in the United States.
3.
Get involved in Church activities: Major churches incorporate a large variety of opportunities in their outreach programs.
Grace World Church in Saint Louis has AA groups, support groups for parents of teens, grief support groups, teen activities, senior citizen groups, and an active singles group.
4.
Schedule regular vacations.
We all need time off from daily routines.
In tough caretaking situations, it may be necessary to take one weekend a month for much needed rest and recreation.
When I was taking care of my mother I used to take one weekend a month at Pere Marquette Park in Alton, Illinois for a much needed break.
I used to return refreshed and ready to take on my responsibilities once a again.
5.
Seek out a support group for caregivers.
Talking, laughing, and sharing with others can be a major outlet for pent up feelings and frustrations.
Check with local hospitals for information on this important topic.
Nami, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill also has group resources.
Remember, take care of yourselves first!
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