When caring for your partner, building resilience–the ability to continue forward in the face of adversity–is essential. Caregiver resilience is not just about surviving; it’s about finding strength in vulnerability, joy in the midst of sorrow, and courage in the face of adversity. When my husband passed away from cancer, I attended a grief recoveryContinue reading “Caregiver Resilience: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Build It”
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Coaching Versus Therapy: How to Know What’s Right For You as a Caregiver
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, “Do I need therapy or a life coach?” Your partner has cancer, and you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, lonely, and stuck. You realize you need to get some support for yourself, but where do you turn? Should you find a therapist or life coach? What’s the difference between coaching andContinue reading “Coaching Versus Therapy: How to Know What’s Right For You as a Caregiver”
4 Tips for Relieving Cancer Caregiver Stress When Caregiving Becomes Too Much
“It’s too much. I can’t do this anymore.” If those thoughts are swirling around your head lately, it’s time to pay attention. You may be tempted to push them aside or ignore them, but don’t! While you may even feel guilty for thinking this way (you’re not the one with cancer, after all), I wantContinue reading “4 Tips for Relieving Cancer Caregiver Stress When Caregiving Becomes Too Much”
How to Be a Good Caregiver: 3 Caregiving Tips for When Your Partner Has Cancer
Becoming a caregiver for your partner is a role you likely weren’t prepared for. But regardless, you want to be strong and supportive for your partner. You want to know how to be a good caregiver. You may feel at a complete loss for how to do that at times. Other times, you may beContinue reading “How to Be a Good Caregiver: 3 Caregiving Tips for When Your Partner Has Cancer”
What Does a Caregiver Coach Do to Support You When Your Spouse Has Cancer?
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I didn’t know anyone in my situation. I was 40, working full time, and raising our 5-year-old. I was lucky to have wonderfully supportive family, friends, and colleagues. Still, no one really understood what it was like. At times, it was very isolating. I sometimes questioned myself andContinue reading “What Does a Caregiver Coach Do to Support You When Your Spouse Has Cancer?”
What to Do for Someone Going through Chemo: Helping Your Spouse During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, or “chemo,” as most people call it, is a common treatment for many types of cancer. One of the side effects of some chemo treatments is that it takes a significant toll on the recipient, both physically and emotionally. It can be hard to watch your spouse go through chemo and feel like thereContinue reading “What to Do for Someone Going through Chemo: Helping Your Spouse During Chemotherapy”
How to Avoid Spousal Caregiver Burnout When Your Partner is Sick
Spousal caregiver burnout. We hear the term all the time, but what does it mean exactly? Burnout is “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.” If any part of that definition strikes home, you may be close to or already experiencing caregiver spouse burnout. My husband battled cancerContinue reading “How to Avoid Spousal Caregiver Burnout When Your Partner is Sick”
How to Support Yourself as a Caregiver for a Spouse with Cancer
When you become a caregiver for a spouse with cancer, you automatically take on a new role–probably one you were not prepared for. In this role, you wear many hats, and you may feel like you don’t know what you’re doing much of the time. It’s easy to lose yourself and become completely consumed byContinue reading “How to Support Yourself as a Caregiver for a Spouse with Cancer”
Your Spouse was Just Diagnosed with Cancer, Now What?
You just received news that has completely changed your life. Your spouse was just diagnosed with cancer, now what? I remember the day vividly when I learned of my husband’s diagnosis. I had just returned home from a business trip, and as we drove back from the airport, he said, “Marika, there is something IContinue reading “Your Spouse was Just Diagnosed with Cancer, Now What?”
An Important Part Of Caregiving That Is Often Overlooked And How To Prioritize It
It’s often difficult to take care of our own health when our partner has cancer. However, self-care is critical for caregivers and this post shows you how to prioritize it.