The Physical Therapy Doctor – Bayside, New York
The Physical Therapy Doctor – Bayside, New YorkThe Physical Therapy Doctor – Bayside, New York
718.747.2019
[email protected]
  • Home
  • Services
  • Our Doctors
  • Patient Center
    • Insurance
    • FAQ
  • Free Workshop
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Newsletter

Contact

*Required fields
  • Full Name*
  • Email*
  • Phone*
  • Message*
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
caregiver stress

Caregiver Stress-Relief

ptdoctor2016-11-08T11:58:05+00:00

The decision to take on the role of caregiver to a loved one can be quite complex. On one hand, we may have the strong desire to be there and do whatever we can to help. On the other hand, it is a tremendous responsibility and can often become quite overwhelming. Whether we are taking care of a child with special health care needs, a disabled spouse or an elderly parent, the stress is REAL. Those of us who take care of others frequently lose sight of our own wellness, and before we know it, we may be faced with our own health crisis.   Researchers have suggested that caregivers are at an increased risk for health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and a compromised immune system. Studies found that the physical symptoms of caregiver stress are a result of a prolonged and elevated level of stress hormones circulating in the body. Researchers also suggest that caregiver stress hormone levels are similar to those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.*   What can we do to avoid what seems like the inevitable? Although it may seem a bit cliché, it is important that we take time for ourselves. Time to rest, eat well, exercise, and have regular checkups. When we are short on time, energy or resources, we need to ask for help. We have to build time into our daily lives for “planned stress relief” in order to maintain our own well-being so we are strong enough to take good care of our loved ones.   Throughout this article, I’ve said “we”, because I am just like you…a “caregiver”. Years ago, I was stressed, worn out, anxious, and unhealthy. That was when I came to The Physical Therapy Doctor, P.C. as a patient. I was not sleeping through the night, suffered from migraine headaches almost daily and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For years, I was a caregiver to multiple members of my family and consistently put my own health and wellness on the back burner. The result of years of neglecting myself were not good. I was in my early forties, overweight, with cholesterol-lowering-info.com, a fatty liver, muscle spasms throughout my entire body, and my nerves were shot. Of course, this would not be a good situation for anyone.   My healing and wellness began when I started with A.A.T. (Associative Awareness Technique) at The Physical Therapy Doctor, P.C. I learned about my body, my brain, and how to help myself feel better. A.A.T. put the power in MY hands to make positive, healthy life changes by decreasing my fear, sadness, and frustration, and ELIMINATING MY PAIN. Once my pain was gone, I was finally able to exercise effectively and consistently which led to my 35 LB. WEIGHT LOSS, along with a renewed sense of hope and confidence. As the Patient Care Coordinator at The Physical Therapy Doctor, P.C., I am delighted to be able to share my story in an effort to educate and support patients throughout their healing process.   *Schulz R, Beach S. Caregiving as a risk factor for mortality: the caregiver health effects study. JAMA. 1999;282:2215-2219.

by Donna, Patient Care Coordinator at The Physical Therapy Doctor, P.C.

Share this post

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google + Email

Related Posts

Screen Shot 2017 05 08 at 6.00.48 PM 1

Physical Therapy Crucial To Sports Injury Recovery

Sports injuries have sidelined many athletes for games, seasons, and worse, careers. Injuries are common while participating in organized sports,... read more

Screen Shot 2017 05 08 at 6.00.48 PM 1

Top 10 Ways to Protect Your identity

An estimated 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year. (Says the FTC, so it must be true!)... read more

acupuncture 1698832 1280 1

Is Physical Therapy Painful?

Physical therapists seek to minimize pain and discomfort—even if it is chronic or long-term. They work within your pain... read more

Screen Shot 2017 03 15 at 4.32.11 PM 1

6 Reasons Tilapia Farming is Dangerous to Your Health

1. Recent studies have found that farm-raised tilapia may cause more inflammation Farm-raised tilapia has always been a popular source... read more

Screen Shot 2017 03 30 at 5.06.39 PM 1

Is Surgery My Only Option?

In many cases, physical therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery in treating a wide range... read more

Screen Shot 2017 08 30 at 12.49.20 PM 1

5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Needing Physical Therapy

How to Stay Out of the PT Clinic Your physical therapist is a movement expert who is there for you whenever... read more

book 1853348 640 1

Health Hazards of Sitting for Too Long

If you spend a lot of time sitting down for your job, take a look at the specifics of... read more

video games 1557358 1920 1

How much screen time is OK for your kids?

What's Recommended? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued these guidelines for screen time: Babies and toddlers up to 18 months... read more

surgery 688380 640 1

Why Are People Afraid Of Surgery ?

Why do people have surgery anxiety? They are all extremely common things that people get anxious about. In fact,... read more

doctor 2411135 960 720 1

Hey Queens NY! This Is How Living With Pain Can Affect The Mind.

Living with untreated chronic pain can alter your life completely if you don't take action. People who deal with... read more

© 2021 The Physical Therapy Doctor – All Rights Reserved

Facebook Twitter Instagram Yelp
Powered by WebsiteStore.NYC Link Opens in New Tab