CAREGIVING, WHILE REWARDING & CRITICAL, CAN ALSO BE STRESSFUL

Caring for a loved one with a neurological disorder, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, can be difficult. Watching your loved one struggle with pseudobulbar affect (PBA), particularly undiagnosed or untreated, compounds this difficulty. It is important to remember the PBA is not a psychiatric disorder. It is a secondary
neurological condition resulting from a brain injury. You must be a champion when your loved one loses hope, isolates himself or herself, or appears depressed.

Here are some tips for being a caregiver to a loved one with PBA:

• If you know someone with PBA, listen to his or her frustrations and concerns, and remind him or her that a physical condition (PBA) – not a mental one – is involved.
• Accompany your individual with PBA to doctor appointments, when possible. Share your observations about episodes, discuss treatment options, and process the doctor’s advice.
• Raise awareness about PBA – Talk with family and friends about what it is, what to expect, and what they can do if they know someone impacted by PBA.
• Take care of yourself – Go for a walk, try a relaxation technique like meditation or breathing exercises, listen to music, or enjoy a cup of tea.
• Manage your time – Logistics, schedules, appointments and errands – caregiving and otherwise – add up. Get and stay organized! Try an app, use the notepad on your mobile device, or keep a tried-and-true hard copy datebook or paper calendar.
• Seek out other caregivers to build your own support network – online or in-person.