Free Program At The Library On Taking Care Of The Caregiver

The Family Counseling Center is offering a series of free monthly workshops on mental health issues of interest to families and individuals. The workshops are supported by a grant from the Union Savings Bank Foundation. The workshops will take place in the community room at the C.H. Booth Library on Main Street from 7 to 8:30 pm.

On Tuesday, November 21, the topic will be “Family Caregivers: Making Sure to Take Care of the Caregiver.” There are more than 25 million people who find themselves in a care-giving role, and these numbers are growing daily.

 The loved one may have cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, be developmentally disabled or mentally ill, be a victim of stroke or accident. Whatever the cause, family caregivers are often completely focused on their loved one’s needs, and neglect their own health, social, and emotional needs. Who focuses on the needs of the caregiver?

This workshop is for caregivers and those who love them to learn practical tools to avoid burnout.

“Holiday Blues” will be the topic of the December 13 workshop. The holidays are supposed to be a time of warmth, happiness, and excitement, and to many people they are. But for some, the season can be a paradox. Joyous feelings and family and religious tradition can be overshadowed by stress, fatigue, and gloom. The key is to know how to respond to your feelings and have realistic expectations.

The Family Counseling Center is a licensed and accredited non-profit mental health agency offering counseling for families and individuals in the greater Danbury area. For information on any of the workshops, call the Family Counseling Center at 426-8103.