Yesterday I read a post from Hidden Heroes. I wanted to share that with you all–because it is a story in response to a question, “in your experience, what are the best ways to support military and veteran families and caregivers who face mental health and addiction challenges?”
Making simple changes can be helpful as a caregiver and a spouse. At times, we might be afraid to ask questions or make change (because it can be hard), but know that there could be someone going through a similar situation like you–you are not alone.
Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow Jeannette Davidson-Mayer wrote about changes she made as a caregiver to a spouse with PTSD and TBI. She even wrote, “simplicity can come in the form of a trashcan.”
Davidson-Mayer goes on to write:
Living with a spouse who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain due to spinal issues, we have learned to live with the ever-changing daily “new normal” with touches of strange humor. Here we are, 11 years post deployment, still learning the value of simplicity. We still work on what to simplify and when. One of my favorite discoveries is the elevated trashcan.
Who would have thought raising the trashcan up and placing empty bags on the side would make our lives more simplified?
Living simple–I love that.
I do realize that simplicity isn’t always “there,” or “easy” to figure out–small changes can make a big difference. I think at times we take for granted the simple and easy things around us…I know at times it can be hard balancing all life has to offer, but slowing down and operating at a simple, easy, relaxed pace can make all the difference.
To read more about Jeannette Davidson-Mayer, visit her Dole Fellow bio here:
https://hiddenheroes.org/story/jeannette-davidson-mayer/