Fear and denial are the ‘easy’ way out. Dictators or authoritarian rulers throughout history became powerful because fear is easy to spread and control. It is knowledge and understanding that get in their way. To manipulate power and fear the first obstacles to eliminate are knowledge and education, which are replaced with their emotional rhetoric.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can frighten anyone. A strong dose of self -confidence is important to accept that fear, to look at it and learn from it. Emotions can be beneficial when self-awareness is established with accurate knowledge and understanding. A gut feeling is backed-up with knowledge so emotional rhetoric is unable to capture fear again.
Don’t give fear and denial space in your mind. Make room for knowledge and mindfulness which allows us to be good to ourselves. Then, it’s easier to be good to others. It’s an individual choice to learn about Alzheimer’s, to change an attitude, to build knowledge and awareness. Once that’s done, it will rub off on family members and friends. Mom will notice the change most. With everything else going on in her mind she will greatly appreciate a strong shoulder to lean on.
Self-confidence not only helps a care partner face decisions about Alzheimer’s, but most everything in life. From health care to politics, we’re stronger when we have accurate knowledge, information and feel empathy.
It helps put fear in its place.