We’re sure
you’ve argued both sides of the fence on this topic of whether social media and
the Internet has made a caregiver’s life better or worse. We think it's done both. With a short phrase typed
into a search engine, you can find multiple sources of information in milliseconds.
There is
ease in using social media to connect you to smaller groups who understand your
situations and allow you to connect with someone across the world. Medical
information can help your caregiving, and you can find apps for most
everything. Yet, it’s still up to you
to find credible sources and to check the validity of the information. Believe it or not, not everything you read
online is correct!
The
opposite view is that we are now at arms-length from people and more isolated
from one another. Online friendships can
form instantly when someone agrees with a Facebook posting you made. It also has the potential for harm when a
comment is perceived negatively or judgmentally. We've seen serious actions and consequences
when a caregiver is hurt by public comments or even betrayals of trust. Comparisons are made nearly every day, and
the lens with which you view a comment can turn an innocent post into a hurtful
jab, or you may miss the point entirely as you grab a view on your phone at the
stoplight.
As
caregivers, it's nearly universal that support and information will be sought
online. But, because studies and good
old common sense are telling us that we’re often “overly attached” to our
phones and tablets, and we know it, what are we doing about it? Science also proves that in teens, social
media is adding to depression, what others are doing/buying/saying, and
cyber-bullying continues. Think it’s
only in teens? No, it can happen to any
of us.
What to
do? Try to keep yourself in a healthier,
more balanced place, and set limits on what you will share online and to whom. There
are full medical histories on the Internet, and that's your choice, but think
of the potential years from now. Know
that anyone and everyone can access some of your information somehow and if you
don’t want it out there, do not post it.
Employers still Face-stalk, and so do other officials, so don’t leave
yourself open to interpretation that may harm you or your family.
UNPLUG sometimes.
A certain hour of the evening, a cyber-free Sunday, two hours during the day so
you accomplish more of what you set out to do.
Yes, you’re likely to be texted a million times if you go out, but
sometimes adding space in your caregiving relationship can help you both. Inter-dependence and co-dependence is hard on
a family, and even medical staff can add to the dependence versus
independence. Be mindful and be aware.
Balancing
your time can start with seizing back one or two of the many intervals each day
you check your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page. Or, use that time to go to a personal learning
or favorite hobby website and take your mind off tasks for a while. The best alternative is day-dreaming – it’s a
hopeful and non-electronic means of recharging!
Linda Kreter & the
VeteranCaregiver Team
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