While you may be tempted to be around for that person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this is not the best idea. You can do more for someone you are caring for by getting the rest you need and taking the time to care for yourself. Remember, a caregiver is only as effective as the care he or she is able to give.

Being a caregiver to someone who is seriously ill can cause you to become angry, sad, and depressed. These are natural feelings. It is important to make sure that you are still taking care of yourself because you are a person with needs too. Also, if you do not take care of yourself physically and emotionally, you will be in no shape to care for anyone else in the long run. There are a number of things that you can do to take care of yourself:

• Talk about it—it is important to share your frustrations, anger, anxiety, and sadness with someone not directly involved in the situation. Find someone you can talk to like a rabbi, minister, friends, family, counselor, or health worker


• Take time out—find someone willing to help you out so that you can take a break and get out on your own. It is important to take a break and do something for yourself, by yourself. Don't feel bad about wanting to go see a movie or go out to eat by yourself or with someone else. These feelings are completely normal, healthy, and natural


• Realize you are not alone—find a support group for caregivers. This can be very helpful. It will allow you to meet people who are going through much of the same things as you are and understand how you feel


• Breathe!—this may seem odd at first because we all need to breathe to survive. But sitting in a quiet room and thinking about your breathing, listening to your breathing, and shutting out the rest of the world for a few minutes can really relieve anxiety. This is a little thing you can do in the middle of a hectic day that can make a huge difference!


• Exercise—is not only good for the body, it is also good for the soul. Talk to your doctor or a fitness trainer at a gym for information on exercise programs that can relieve stress and give you energy! A yoga class might just be the thing


• Have a hobby—it is important that as you care for someone else, you also have something that is yours and yours alone. This is not a sign of selfishness. It is natural and healthy for a person to do something that he is interested in doing. It also gives you an opportunity to spend time alone and remove yourself from time to time

If you would like additional information on how to get the help you need or support groups in your area, your local AIDS Service Organization (ASO) may be able to help.