I'm a carer in a nursing home. And I'm struggling.

[TwatCat]

We don't even have any suspected cases of CV, but we are locked down. Each floor is locked down from all the others. And I'm struggling with it mentally.

I can't even begin to imagine how rough it is for those facing CV every single day. So I don't know why I'm feeling so fragile when I'm not in that position... so far...

How on Earth do I snap out of this?
My nerves are completely shot.
If I felt like this in "normal times" I think I'd be on the sick with anxiety etc. But I can't do that. I'm needed.

And it's only going to get worse. It's inevitable that someone is going to unintentionally take CV there at some point.

I have history of anxiety and depression but thought those days were far behind me.
To clarify, I don't feel depressed, just more completely overwhelmed.

It's all the little things you have to worry about as well, adding up to a humongous whole. Remembering to do all the extra things everytime you meet a resident, or go home or trying to get food.

My mother is in a nursing home and i would like to add my thanks here for all that you do.
I cannot imagine the stress you are under at the moment. You have my gratitude and my thoughts are with you. Not much, i know, but hopefully something.

I work in a care home and we have been on lockdown for 2 weeks. Our residents have dementia and it is hard on them not seeing family. We do have skype when it works properly and family can ring anytime to talk to their mum or dad.

OP, what you are doing is so very very much appreciated. My beloved Aunt, for whom I normally care, went into a nursing home at Christmas. I have had to hand her over to the care staff and all I can do is pray for you all, and stock up on biscuits/cakes/treats to hand over once all of this is over. for you in the meantime.

It must be so difficult for you, but please focus on the fact that you are one of the most important people in the country at the moment, and at last people are starting to value you. Every one still needs to be washed, fed, given drinks - you keep them alive every day, not just in times like this. And in the end, it is not what you do that counts. Don't feel guilty or stressed about what you do: you can't keep everyone alive for ever. But if you can stay cheery (we are having a street email with a joke a day on it. Perhaps we can share them with you!?) if you can take someone a cup of tea, give them an extra smile, and tell them that you love them, then you are doing 1000x more than we can, isolated away from them.

And please do look after yourself as much you can. You deserve it more than anyone! Have a nice bath, if you aren't too exhausted when you get home. Have a little glass of wine. Or just log on here, to be reminded of how much you are appreciated - and apologies for not saying it sooner. I'm going to try to send out a MN message in the morning for all carers, everywhere.

Bless you for all that you are doing.

@Notverygrownup thank you for that lovely message. It means a lot. I'm feeling less stressed at the moment. I've got today off. But I'm doing 5 12 hour shifts this week.

I can't wait for all of this to be over.