Caring for a loved one with ITP can be as overwhelming as being diagnosed with the condition. Just as those living with the rare disease experience a roller coaster of physical and emotional challenges, caregivers face their own demands. At PDSA, we know ITP caregivers are special and need attention, too. In addition to often facing an increased burden of educating themselves about the rare disease, caregiver burnout can lead to chronic health issues, including chronic stress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
While it can be rewarding to care for someone with ITP, it’s important to take care of yourself. Below are helpful tips to help you provide the best care for your special ITP loved one:
- Seek support and guidance from others through PDSA’s discussion group
- Learn how to communicate effectively with your loved one’s doctor
- Get helpful support and guidance from PDSA experts about caregiver burnout and the importance of taking care of you
- Keep up to date with the latest news about ITP research and treatments
- Organize medical information and identify your loved one’s rare condition with awareness items that provide life-saving information for more effective medical treatment
- Learn more from national caregiver resource organizations including Caregiver Action Network and Lotsa Helping Hands