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When two people getmarried, they vow to love each other in sickness and in health.
Many caregivers struggle with feelings of guilt, like this woman did.
So, she decidedto consultwith the folks on the Internet.
Read our short conversation with her below!
The outpouring of support from most of the commenters on Reddit helped.
And, of course, I asked my husband if he minded, and he said, No!'
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u/PassionOfThePizza says that the whole experience of her husband being in the hospital has been an absolute emotional rollercoaster.
My husband went through a really rough time, and we thought we were going to lose him.
Not to sound corny, but he is my best friend, and I love him very deeply.
u/PassionOfThePizza happily shares that her husband has made some progress.
He can mouth sentences, nod and shake his head, and use other non-verbal communication.
He is always smiling when were together and has been staying positive.
Aside from births, many people associate hospitals with life-altering bad news and situations.
So, its only natural to feel scared and stressed.
Spouses who have a sick partner experience a decrease in their health, too.
They found that men were 4.5% more likely to pass away after their wives had been hospitalized.
Women, in turn, were almost 3% more likely to pass away.
Granted,the older the spouses were, the more likely they were to encounter health challenges.
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However, spouses with a sick partner face manymental healthchallenges as well.
Many report feeling stress, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and frustration.
Research alsoshowsthat caregivers exhibit higher levels of depression.
Those who care for people with dementia are especially vulnerable: 30-40%sufferfrom depression and emotional stress.
Women often also get the short end of the stick.
Studiesshowthat they fare worse than their male counterparts when it comes to life satisfaction and physical health.
Whats more, caregivers have a bigger risk of heart problems.
One studyfoundthat women who care for a disabled or ill spouse have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Sadly, theytendto have lower levels of self-care.
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Thats why taking time for yourself, like going to a concert, is so important.
But, to avoid unnecessary stress, expertsrecommendtrying to focus on the now.
Experts also stress the importance of social support.
Renaissance Home Health Careremindscaregivers that self-care is not selfish.
Its essential for maintaining your own mental health and resilience throughout this challenging time.
Many people urged her to go, saying that she deserved this break
Thanks!
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Check out the results:
Image credits:Ivan Samkov/Pexels (not the actual photo)