Caring for the caregiver

As a caregiver, your child with cystinosis is your focus. But taking care of others may affect your own health. Your self-care may fall to the side. Do you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, take breaks, and visit your own doctor? All of these may help keep you healthy so you can help care for someone with cystinosis.

Here are some things you can try to help relieve stress and stay healthy:

• Go to your doctor for a checkup
• Take a half-hour break as often as possible, and do something you enjoy
• Walk three times a week; start with a 10-minute walk
• Seek and accept support from others who can help with caregiving tasks
• Find someone to talk to such as a friend or a professional counselor