Unable to accept my mother’s death and living through dark days

I served in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for 35 years and retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age about ten years ago. After retirement, I hoped to take on a simple part-time job while caring for my mother, but balancing both proved difficult. For a while, I couldn’t provide any care, and eventually, my mother passed away in the hospital where she was hospitalized.
After that, I was unable to recover from the sadness of parting with my mother. For a while, I couldn’t do anything, was at the bottom of sadness, completely forgot how to smile, and lost my energy. I, immersed in sadness, do not work and spend my days just idly, with no watching of television and no talking to anyone. As I continued this way, days of darkness and an overwhelming desire to do nothing persisted.

Recommended by my husband and it led to a medical examination

My husband, noticing how I was, kindly suggested that I try visiting a psychosomatic clinic. As a result, I was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment(MCI). I thought that was absolutely not the case. Since then, I have honestly accepted the test results and am currently undergoing treatment with Lecanemab at Kumamoto University Hospital, which is ongoing.

I still want to work!

During that time, I received a caregiving certification (Care Level 1) and attended daycare services three time a week, but I found these activities insufficient and started wanting to do some work. As a result, I visited a Young-Onset Dementia Support Coordinator. I have asked her to inquire about my current situation, and she is currently helping me find a B-type employment support facility.

Living a joyful life while effectively managing MCI

My hobby is knitting and handicrafts. Since my aunt goes to a day service, I also volunteer there three days a week. Also, it is my responsibility to put away the puzzles used by the day service participants. I complete puzzles with dozens of pieces, which surprises everyone. Anyway, I still want to work, and everyday I think and dream about living an enjoyable life while managing my MCI well. Since ‘Time flies like an arrow’ we should not underestimate even a short span of time.

Written by Satomi Takezaki
Translated by Satoshi Nakano