Being a caregiver can be extremely stressful – and caregiver burnout is real. Psychologists don’t take it lightly. They define it as “a debilitating psychological condition that is brought about by unrelieved stress” – and hopefully, you won’t take it lightly either
By understanding caregiver burnout, you’ll be better prepared from having to experience it personally. How will you know if you have it? These warning signs of caregiver burnout are good indicators.
Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
- Lack of energy
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in eating habits; weight loss or weight gain
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Withdrawing from, or losing interest in, activities you once enjoyed
- Neglecting your own emotional and physical needs
- Feeling like caregiving is controlling your life
- Becoming unusually impatient, irritable, or argumentative with the person you’re caring for and/or others
- Anxiety about the future
- Depression or mood swings
- Difficulty coping with routine, everyday events
- Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical problems
- Lowered resistance to illness
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs and your or your loved ones are concerned, see your doctor as soon as possible. Caregiver burnout can be treated; there’s no reason to suffer unnecessarily.
Preventing Caregiver Burnout
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to caregiver burnout. Here are five helpful tips to help you prevent it.
- Ask for help. You’re not a bad caregiver if you need help now and then. If you ask, family and friends may assist you. Respite care from a home health care agency is also available.
- Take a break. Leave the house and visit with some friends. Take in a movie or enjoy a walk in your favorite park. Pamper yourself by taking a long bath.
- Take good care of yourself. Don’t skip your doctor’s appointments because you feel you just don’t have the time. Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.
- List your daily activities and tasks. Is there anything there you can delegate? Perhaps your spouse can prepare dinner twice a week. Maybe a friend can run errands for you or help out with the laundry. Most people love to help when they’re asked.
- Find a caregiver support group. Many communities offer support groups for all sorts of people – including caregivers. Here is a great online resource for you to locate support online and in your area.
Using these tips will help you be a better caregiver and a happier person.
Contact Dependable Senior Care
If you need assistance caring for your loved one, Dependable Senior Care is here to help. We can assist with companionship services, personal care, hourly care, dementia care, respite care, and more.
Contact us today at (800) 500-9192 for a free consultation with a Care Coordinator to discuss your care needs. We’ll create a personalized care plan for you to meet your requirements. Dependable Senior Care is here for you.