Looking for advice on anger

Hi. I'm a 45 year old daughter taking care of my 80 year old mother 24/7, going on year 4 now. I came back to life with cymbalta, then developed--for me--a severe anger problem. Started taking buspar for that, and ambien to sleep to see if that would help keep me on track during the day. My mother has never been a nice person, but that's life, and now that she is sick and in pain, she's very difficult and demanding. I snap in a nano second. I don't have time to step back and think about staying calm, or even getting mad for that matter. I'm a life long meditator and yoga person, and never experienced this kind of anger or lack of self-control. And I seem to be snapping more than getting better. But mostly only at her. Any advice out there on this? I really don't want to be like this.

Thanks,
Gena

I would check with your Pdoc. I am generally a really tollerant, non-violent person but some meds make me very violent. The other thing I would look at is what are you doing to take care of you? I have a special needs child (so at least I get a break while he is at school) but if I start snapping I know I have to take a look at my self care.

Hello, magikwolfe.

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...or-caregivers/
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/carin...caregivers.htm
http://www.medicare.gov/caregivers/

Hi ~ I agree with Omers ~ If you don't get some "away" time, you are GOING to snap. That just comes with the territory of taking care of a nasty, ornery woman who needs attention 24/7. You need RESPITE care! If you don't take care of YOU, you won't be any good for her.

Get away - go get a manicure, get a massage, just go chill out every few days, even if you just sit in the park. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

Four years is a long time, definitely sounds like caregiver strain. Of course if it started right after the Cymbalta started, maybe it's more than a coincidence?

Z

Thanks for the comments. I'm trying to be more aware of taking care of myself--I've been in survival mode for so long it's become a habit to think I'll do that tomorrow.

Byzantine, thanks for the links. I'll definitely check them out.

Magikwolfe