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Depression/anxiety and Alzeimers/dementia

Posted By marchar

"Depression/anxiety and Alzeimers/dementia"

About: Inclusion Thurrock (Talking Therapies)

(as the patient),

My husband has been diagnosed with Alzeimers and dementia but before that I knew something was wrong because of the way he was treating me being angry all the time and I couldn’t do anything right.

I was stressed out all the time but he didn’t understand and was angry when I got upset.

I had a TIA at work & was very lucky they noticed something was wrong & got the help I needed I was so stressed but all he used to say it was all about me

I couldn’t cope & he eventually he agreed to get tested since then he has got progressively worse & at times won’t talk to me for three days at a time.

I didn’t know what to do and I just kept falling asleep and didn’t want to do anything I rang doctor and she said it sounds like your depressed and gave me medication which has helped and then sessions with inclusion which has been good as it allowed me to get everything of my chest and the guilt I feel is ok and I have to look after myself others wise I won’t be able to look after my husband.

My sessions have now ended but know if I need help they are always there. My councillor was very understanding and talked and gently allowed me to open up on my own as I was embarrassed about talking about myself

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Responses

Response from Adam Laws, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Inclusion Thurrock IAPT, Inclusion Thurrock 3 years ago
Adam Laws
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Inclusion Thurrock IAPT,
Inclusion Thurrock

Submitted on 01/12/2020 at 11:38
Published on Care Opinion at 11:38

Dear marchar,

Thank you for sharing your experiences, it sounds like you were having an extremely difficult time before seeking help and I can only imagine the ways this must have been impacting your life.

When a close family member becomes unwell, particularly with something like Alzheimer's or Dementia that requires our care or support, it can be very hard for us to manage their needs whilst, as you say, taking care of ourselves. It can feel incredibly isolating as we believe it is a situation only few will understand and that we are facing those difficult times alone. Ultimately, this can make it very difficult to open up about some of these experiences.

It is wonderful to hear that your sessions with us provided you with a comfortable space to talk about these difficulties, as well as an understanding that although it is valid to feel guilty during these times, we do need to be able to take care of ourselves as well. It sounds like you have really taken the things you have learned to heart and made changes to help you in the long run.

You're very right that we are always here should you need any further support. We hope that you are able to continue with these changes you have made and seeing the benefits they bring!

Wishing you all the best for the future,

Adam

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