Last night we decided to try two new things: Indian food and the United Artists Tara Cinema. While I always appreciate a new experience, by far, the theater was the more favorable part of my evening. The Tara, as it is called in tribute to the fictional Tara plantation from Gone With the Wind (written by an Atlanta native and filmed in Marietta) is a theater that takes pride in showing independent films. The theater opened in 1968 and has kept its early 70's charm ever since. Here is a picture so you can get an idea.
We decided to see Nebraska to help me achieve my mini-goal of seeing all the films nominated for best picture this year. I thought it was a great movie. I particularly liked the black and white filter that was used for the film. It is hard to explain without seeing it, but I believe it portrayed the story in a way that could not have been done in color. Another factor that gave it a plus in my book was the choice of actors. I am a Will Forte fan from his days on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock as well as Bob Odenkirk who played Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. I thought they did a great job branching out in these roles that were significantly different from the roles they usually play.
The movie was very real. I think it might be too real for some. As we were leaving the theater, my husband looked at me and said, "That movie made me never want to get old." Reality is we will all grow old and more than likely, we will all have the experience of caring for someone who is growing old. Geriatrics is a growing field in the world of medicine and therapy today. More and more people are seeking help to cope with the aging process.
Probably more common than those who are actually aging, their caregivers are seeking help due to caregiver burnout. WebMD defines caregiver burnout as:
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude -- from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don't get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able -- either physically or financially. Caregivers who are "burned out" may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time on themselves rather than on their ill or elderly loved ones.
The characters in Nebraska are definitely experiencing some caregiver burnout as they continue to care for the elderly Woody Grant who portrays signs of ongoing confusion and alcohol abuse in his old age. His wife, Kate Grant (June Squibb), and son Ross (Bob Odenkirk) are fed up to say the least. When Woody continuously attempts to walk to Lincoln, Nebraska from his home in Billings, Montana because he believes he has won one million dollars, Ross and Kate make it clear that they have had enough and start looking for nursing homes.
Woody's son David (Will Forte), on the other hand, has not reached the burnout point like his mother and brother. Out of David's hope, an adventure begins. I will let you watch the movie for yourself to see how it goes.
Are you caring for someone who is coping with aging or struggling through an illness? Did the definition above sound familiar? Too familiar? The AARP describes 6 signs of caregiver burnout in this article. In case you don't want to read the article I will lay out the six signs for you:
- You feel furious one minute, sad and helpless the next.
- You catch every bug that comes your way.
- You are snapping at everyone.
- You know you should exercise (take care of yourself), but you just don't have the time.
- You can't remember the last time you did something just to have fun.
- You have taken on the role of the "go to" caregiver. Always.
Sound like you or someone you know? The bad news is that this is a reality for a lot of us much like Nebraska was too real for my husband. The good news is that there are things you can do to overcome caregiver burnout. Helpguide.org outlines some great tips for dealing with caregiver stress and burnout here. They recommend you:
- Ask for help (usually a hard thing for people who are used to taking care of everyone else)
- Give yourself a break (take some time for yourself, have fun, laugh (if you need help with this just watch Mean Girls))
- Practice acceptance (instead of always asking "why me?" or looking for someone to blame, search for ways you can grow from this experience)
- Take care of your health (if you are not in a place where you know you deserve to do this, then remember that you can't take care of anyone if you don't feel up to par yourself)
- Join a support group (I can hear your groans, but don't knock it until you try it)
Wether you loved Nebraska or hated it. Whether you are facing aging or just going through your quarter-life crisis (i.e. me). Whether you have payed your dues being a caregiver or know it is somewhere in your future. I encourage you to take a look at your life and how your are taking care of yourself so you are able to say, like a post secret postcard put so perfectly today:
