How to remain positive

alAragi

Many of you on here seem to deal with things really well I have arthritis which makes life more difficult doing everything & sometimes I feel overwhelmed with everything & miss my old life Any advice please

annie51

Sorry to hear about your troubles - it must be hard with the arthritis added on. I can relate somewhat - when I see what others are going through and their situations are worse than mine, I feel like I’m falling short and I get disappointed in myself. I try to be positive and upbeat but it often ends badly.

trottingalong

We all have had both success and failure with remaining positive. The other day I was having a really good, upbeat day. Took a great walk with my dogs and all was well. Came back home and my husband was not feeling well, confused and stressed. My whole mood changed. It’s worse when I’m not feeling well, so I’m sure you having arthritis adds another component to it. My days have gradually become more and more feeling like I’m on a roller coaster that I want off. I try hard to find pleasure in the little things while trying not to dwell on what I miss. I miss a lot of time I cannot get back.

SDianeL

when you are a caregiver and have health issues, it’s extremely difficult. We do the best we can. Try to live in the moment and treasure the small good things. Most people on this forum may seem to deal with things pretty well but if you go back and read all their posts you will see that everyone struggles at times both mentally and physically. We’re all human. When I read your post I thought how could someone with arthritis be a caregiver. I admire your strength for doing so. I hope you are getting respite care. 💜

tboard

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73522/how-to-remain-positive

It is harder when the caregiver has health issues. I am sorry you have to go through this. I haven't really been able to remain positive as I give up the retirement I looked forward to. I find that I am happier when I get to do things that I like to do. I enjoy various crafts, mending and sewing and cooking. I also enjoy photography, reading and writing and sometimes I like to cook. I try to spend at least an hour each day doing something that I enjoy. It seems to keep me sane. Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is a special kind of hell. There aren't any rewards and it isn't something we choose to do.