MIND

“The monsters of the mind are far worse than those that actually exist. Fear, doubt, and hate have hamstrung more people than beasts ever have.”

—Christopher Paolini, Brisingr

Answer the following 12 questions, and add your score.

A=4 points, B=3 points, C= 2 points, D=1 point a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Every day b. Often c. Sometimes d. Seldom or never a. Every day b. Often c. Sometimes d. Seldom or never a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Every day b. Often c. Sometimes d. Seldom or never a. Every day b. Often c. Sometimes d. Seldom or never a. Seldom or never b. Sometimes c. Often d. Every day a. Every day b. Often c. Sometimes d. Seldom or never

1. Do you often find you have difficulty concentrating?

2. Do you find you often feel irritable or lose your temper with others?

3. Do you find you feel hopeless about the future?

4. Do you find you get a good night’s sleep (seven or more hours)?

5. Can you relax without using alcohol or prescription sedatives?

6. Do you feel overwhelmed by all you have to do on a daily basis?

7. Do you feel you need a cigarette or more caffeine to make it through the day?

8. Do you feel you lack the energy to take care of everyday basics, such as cooking, cleaning, and so forth?

9. Are you keeping up with activities you enjoyed before you began caregiving?

10. Do you feel happy?

11. Has anyone been critical of your caregiving?

12. Do you feel anyone is looking after or caring for you?

Now take a deep breath and add up your score: Each A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point

48-42 Cool as a cucumber (low risk)

Keep on taking care of yourself; however, remember caregiver stress has a way of creeping up on you without sometimes realizing it.

30-41 Temperature rising (elevated risk)

You seem to be managing stress levels well but remember to find new ways to take more time for yourself.

18-29 Hot ChaCha (elevated risk)

You may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and physical exhaustion, which can lead to compromised health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic depression. Find steps immediately to lower your stress level such as a shared workload (in home services) and outlets such as support groups or therapy.

12-17 Totally Toasted (burned out)

You are running on empty, but it is a blessing you found and took this quiz. You, my friend, need immediate help. Consult with someone you trust, a doctor, clergyperson, counselor, or therapist. At a minimum, you need to have a physical checkup. It may be time to look at a vacation away from your loved one, temporary respite for them or even permanent relocation for the person in your care.

Now, take some steps to manage the stresses involved in caregiving. This test is not diagnostic or scientific, but meant to assist you in identifying your stress level. You can find support group listings, counselors, physicians, and many other resources on this MyLocalNetwork website: mylocalnetwork.net.