Loss, Depression, and being a Caretaker

This article from webmd.com, touches on the issue of depression due to loss. Being a caregiver of someone who suffers from a severe brain disorder can mean experiencing a sense of loss on a very wide spectrum. Some lose their loved one to suicide. Others find that their loved one has changed since the onset of the illness and they morn the person who they use to be. The loss of the feeling of trust can also be devastating and it can be very difficult to rebuild or maintain a personal relationship with the person and the illness. Having a good personal support system is critical. I also use therapy as I feel the need for extra assistance. A book was recommended to me when our family first started to realize what was happening to our son. It’s called: ‘Who Moved My Cheese?” http://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-Cheese--Mazing-ebook/dp/B004CR6AM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383577524&sr=8-1&keywords=who-moved-my-cheese" This was light hearted enough to help ease us into accepting and redirecting our focus regarding our son and our ‘new’ life. Do you have a favorite book to share? Please share it in the comment section below! “What Is Grief? Grief is a natural response to death or loss. Each year, between 5% and 9% of the population sustain the loss of a close family member. But that's not the only kind of loss that can cause grief. People can feel loss when: They become separated from a loved one They lose a job, position, or income A pet dies or runs away Kids leave home They experience a major change in life such as getting a divorce, moving, or retiring While we all experience grief and loss, each of us is unique in the ways we cope with our feelings. Some people have healthy coping skills. They are able to experience grief without losing sight of their daily responsibilities. The grieving process is an opportunity for someone to appropriately mourn a loss and then heal. It's facilitated by acknowledging grief, allowing time for grief to work, and finding support.” Read the full article at: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-grief?page=2