Connecting with others: it can be all too easy to become isolated when caring for someone with cTTP
As a caregiver or parent looking after a person with cTTP, it is vital to connect with other people – especially those who may also be caring for someone and might understand your situation. There may be times you feel lonely and isolated perhaps because you have had to give up your previous routine, lifestyle, and social activities in order to focus on the person you are looking after.1,2 Communicating with others effectively is a skill that can be improved with practice.
Quick Tip
Charities and support groups are a great place to connect with communities of like-minded people who can offer each other support. You can find a list of such organizations here.
Communicating and sharing your experience of looking after someone with cTTP3-5
- Make a safe, compassionate space for the other person or group and yourself without judgement. Treat others with respect (even when you disagree) and empathy. Try to understand and validate the emotions of others
- Be honest and share your thoughts and feelings truthfully
- Treat yourself and the person you are speaking to with kindness and patience
- Be an “active observer”: give your full attention—without distraction—to the person speaking
- Remember too, the importance of non-verbal communication such as an open body stance and eye contact in making the other person feel at ease
Effective communication is an ongoing process. You may find it rewarding to open yourself up to others as you discuss your experience and concerns when looking after someone with cTTP. At the same time, do not feel you need to share information that makes you feel uncomfortable or compromises the sensitivity of the person/child you are caring for – it is okay to set boundaries.
