This is a sponsored partnership between Voltaren and LatinaMoms.com
If you’re Latino, chances are your parents have nominated you to take care of them in their old age. It’s not unlikely that through jokes or assumed hierarchy, eventually, one of their children is chosen as their primary caretaker.
That’s because, in the Latino community, it is primarily the children who care for our parents at home when their bodies are not functioning as they used to. However, there are many things we can do to avoid wearing ourselves out in the process – because, trust us, we know it’s a lot to deal with.
Here are three tips on how to take care of your mental health – pues you matter, too.
Makes plans with your loved ones
Try to get out of your regular caregiving schedule by making time for your social circle. It could be a quick walk in the park. Any different chisme can help your mind relax. If you don’t feel like being social, maybe catch a movie with someone or by yourself to take your mind off things.
Share the responsibility with others
If you have siblings – and if this is a parent or grandparent situation – think of sharing the responsibility. Maybe you’re the primary caregiver, but that doesn’t mean that your siblings or close family members shouldn’t lend a hand.
For example, why not ask your tía for relief if you need a breather? At the end of the day, it may be your assumed responsibility, but others can be a shoulder to lean on to help your mental health afloat.
Talk about your mental health
Mental health is essential. Being your loved one’s caregiver comes with a huge responsibility and it can be difficult seeing a parent grow older and knowing their body isn’t able to do everything they were once able to do. Because of this, it’s important to talk to a professional or a trusted friend who can help you really understand what you’re experiencing.
Overall, the responsibility of caregiving affects mental health – whether you’re aware of it or not. It’s time to check in and make sure that our minds are being taken care of. For additional tips on how to balance your mental and physical health as a caregiver, listen to the CareWalks podcast, created in partnership between Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel and iHeartRadio.