Asthma Caregivers: Do you have a support network in place?

Caring for anyone with a chronic condition can be difficult, stressful and make you feel very alone. Having a group of others in your life that understand exactly what you are experiencing can really help. No, you aren't the one who has to live the condition, but caring for a child, spouse, friend, or senior with a chronic condition can take it's toll on the caregiver too. Caregivers usually put their own needs on the back burner because they are so busy taking care of everyone else. A support system is a great way of giving yourself a little TLC too. My son (age 5) has asthma, and luckily for him it is under control for the most part. He does have significant flairs when he's ill. When his asthma is not controlled, I am his primary caregiver. Making sure that my son can breathe properly can become very stressful. If I drop the ball and don't fulfill my duties, there can be major repercussions. Whether or not it's truly my fault, I will blame myself for any trips to the ER. So how to you find a support system where others will know exactly what you are going through and may also be able to lend real life expertise along with a should to lean on? The Everday Health article Building Your Own Asthma Caregiver Support System has some fantastic suggestions. Many of these I do and they work.