The care of a loved one in an extended illness can bring many emotions to the surface. Some we expect some we may not like and some that will surprise us.

LIST OF EMOTIONS

Some of the emotions you might experience include:

• Guilt
• Moodiness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Frustration
• Difficulty in Concentrating
• Deep sadness
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Anger

MY EXPERIENCE WITH A PESKY EMOTION

WHEN WILL THIS END

Going into the second year of my mother’s illness and I came face to face with the emotion of Guilt. In a moment of tiredness and stress, I thought “When will this end?” A wave of guilt washed over me. This made me feel like I was hurrying my mother’s passing which was definitely not what I wanted to happen. I know I did not want to feel the sadness nor waiting for the shoe to drop feeling anymore. This emotion took be back a bit.

CHANGING MY FOCUS WAS THE NEEDED RESOLUTION
I asked myself “Is this the attitude I want to dwell on as I dealt with my mother and her illness?” I answered “NO.”  In acknowledging the emotion, it made me aware and able to face the problematic emotion. This awareness helped change my attitude which gave me the ability to adapt to a new attitude. 

A NEW ATTITUDE

This change in attitude made it possible to let go of focusing on a time frame. I replaced that guilty emotion with a resolve to embrace and enjoy the time left with my mother. In changing my attitude, I was stronger and was able to move forward with renewed strength to manage the upcoming events.

TO SUMMARIZE

Acknowledgement of your emotions brings awareness which leads to change and adaptability which promotes renewed strength to manage the situations in front of you.

CONCLUSION

It is not easy to overcome those pesky emotions.  With practice, awareness, truthfully looking at how you are feeling in each situation and acceptance that you are human and doing the best that you can, you can move through them .

ADDED INFORMATION

Below are two articles that will give added information on dealing with your and your loved ones emotions as you journey through their illness.

Coping With Anticipatory Grief https://www.verywellhealth.com/coping-with-anticipatory-grief-2248856

The Emotions of Dying https://www.pallimed.org/2017/12/the-emotions-of-dying.html