Yes to antidepressants. No to counselor at this time. We have a solid support system--all I need to do is ask. Our adult daughters are fabulous and volunteer to take 2-3 night shifts a week, so the sleep thing is as good as it could be at this point. I am working full-time for financial reasons. Most of the time I realize how great we have it, especially compared to others in the same situation. And most of the time, we find the daily joy. But, still, I have those days were I am crabby, short-tempered and a little weepy. Today was one of those days--no rhyme or reason and no change in his status--just still overwhelmed. Maybe it was because one of my co-workers has a mother-in-law who has had ALS for six years and she died on Monday. She basically starved herself. Decided to stop eating and died 15 days later. I knew she had died, but spoke with my co-worker this morning and she gave me more details. And our caregiver's car broke down on the way to work, so she was a bit late, which means I was late, and well.......
With regard to being asked about anti-depressants and counseling, I think when it comes from folks who aren't caregivers, it is difficult to take because it seems to represent the idea that we could feel better, or don't have to feel sad, overwhelmed, whatever.... if only we would see someone or take a pill. And while I think the anti-depressants help me cope most of the time, I still have those other feelings at times too.
Anyway, tomorrow will be another day.
