2.2 Working through your feelings is a positive step

It is important to acknowledge and come to terms with your feelings

Things you can do include:

• Express your feelings. It is perfectly OK to cry. Tears are one way that help you let go of built-up emotions.
• Accept your feelings. Know there is no ‘right’ way to feel. Some care partners may have thoughts they feel are unacceptable, such as anger toward the person with dementia. You are not alone; these thoughts are quite common.
• Talk about your feelings. You can talk to someone you know and trust or to a professional counselor that is outside of your social circle. Counseling is strictly confidential and provides the opportunity to speak openly about feelings that may seem too sensitive to discuss with others. Talking with another person can help put your thoughts and feelings into perspective. Sharing your thoughts can also help ease the intensity of the emotions. Click here to view information about finding counseling services available near you.
• Write about your feelings. Some people prefer to work through worries and feelings by writing them down. You can try writing in a journal, a letter to your future self, or letters to other people (that are not intended to be sent) as a way of releasing anger, frustration, guilt, and distress. Getting thoughts and feelings out of your head and down on paper can help you to understand them more clearly and feel more in control.