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Alzheimer Resource Center A lifeline for the family today. Hope for the family of
tomorrow. |
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Common
Warning Signs of Stress Build-up • Increased irritability • Difficulty sleeping, awakening early, or excessive sleeping • Loss of energy or zest for life • Becoming increasingly isolated • Feeling out of control, engaging in uncharacteristic actions or emotions (crying a lot, becoming shrill, focusing on petty things) • Drinking too many caffeinated beverages or relying too much on nicotine and alcohol, sleeping pills and other medications • Changes in the body's normal functioning: a pounding heart, trembling hands, difficulties with digestion • Becoming forgetful, having problems concentrating • Becoming less interested in people or activities that were once a source of pleasure • Eating significantly more or less than usual • Engaging in compulsive behaviors: constantly cleaning and straightening up or fussing over small, unimportant details • Becoming accident prone • Inability to overcome feelings of depression or anxiety • Denying physical or psychological symptoms: e.g., "There's nothing wrong with taking sleeping pills every night," or "Anybody would be depressed in my situation." • Handling family members less gently or considerately than is customary • Entertaining suicidal thoughts Excerpt from: Taking Care of Me by Katherine L. Karr |
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