The DELTA DOCTRINE for Caregivers

The DELTA DOCTRINE For Caregivers

While flying Delta Airlines to Atlanta one day, I discovered that flight attendants state the best advice for caregivers – all day long:

“In the unlikely event of the loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling.  Securely place your mask on first, before helping anyone next to you who may need assistance.”

That small directive, what I call “The Delta Doctrine,” contains applicable wisdom for so many life circumstances - but probably none as poignant as for those of us serving as a caregiver for a chronically ill/disabled loved one.

Compassion and love often mistakenly lead us to hold our own breath - while trying to help someone else breath, but once we make that decision, it is only a matter of time before we find ourselves gasping for air.  If we are unable to breathe, how can we help anyone else?