How do Care-Providers and Mom-type people deal with their stressors other than on the psyche-couch?

Answer 1

There are lots of things you can do to relieve stress outside of going to therapy. Here are a few I can think of:

-getting regular exercise
-finding a friend or family member to talk to about your feelings
-finding someone to take over your caregiving responsibilities for a few hours/days to get a short break
-taking hot baths/showers
-journaling frustrations
-practicing meditation/prayer

Answer 2

Above are both good answers. Here's something different that helps a great deal too. I learned this from the therapist's office. (I had an easy chair.)

Care Providers, Mom types take on the troubles other people have. You want to help and part of helping is understanding and enveloping others problems and giving yourself to helping your charges. A big drain on care givers is personalizing others issues. You feel bad for thier plight.

Where do you draw the line? To provide good service you internalize the issue and it gives you more compassion to do your job better. The line has to be drawn somewhere that will preserve your mental health as well. Consider separating yourself from the other's problems in small steps. Along the way in this process remind yourself that you are adjusting little by little and it is not turning your back on those you care about, but maintaining yourself so you can give better care.

When you get to a level that you can care deeply about another's problem and not let it change your feeling about yourself, then you'll be doing well.

As both answers above mention, take time for yourself. Your job is draining on mental energy. Respect how much you give and how little you have left. Allow yourself time to heal, recharge, etc. Don't expect too much of yourself while you are in down time.

Answer 3

There are a lot of support groups out there that can help. Many of them can be found on line. Ask a friend or family member to take care of the person and check some out. A problem shared is cut in half. Others in your situation can help you find relief, plus it's nice to know that you aren't alone in how you feel.