Submitted By Mid Coast Senior Health Center in Brunswick, Maine, 207-373-3646
Burnout is a danger for all caregivers, no matter the level of care. Whether you offer support and care for family members or provide daily physical care – the multitude of responsibilities you carry can be very demanding.
According to the American Heart Association, caregiver burnout is caused by long-term stress that can affect your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Signs of burnout can appear in diverse ways, leaving you feel alone, unsupported or unappreciated.
Warning signs of caregiver burnout include:
Overwhelming fatigue
Changes in eating habits leading to weight loss or gain
Becoming unusually irritable with the person you’re caring for and/or with others
Depression or mood swings
Headaches, stomachaches and other physical problems
Your role as caregiver is vital in providing the best possible quality of life for the patient or family member; however, caregivers rarely practice quality self-care. Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and those you care for. Seeking support, having alone time, eating healthy foods, and incorporating physical activity are simple things to include in your daily routine.
Other ways you can find relief include:
Reach out to family members for specific means of support, possibly organizing relief. Keeping your family up to date on your loved one’s condition and maintaining open lines of communication allows everyone to stay up to date.
Talk things through with a professional counselor, family, friends or a support group. This can help process feelings and emotions that need to be expressed before they lead to depression and feeling overwhelmed.
Learn to say no when you think a task will be too stressful or you do not have time to do it. Rely on family and allow yourself to delegate the task without feeling guilty.
Preserve your social connections by meeting up with friends, continuing your hobbies and doing things you enjoy. The activity should be something that gets you away from the daily caregiving setting.
Keep your doctor appointments, including preventive care, taking your medications and seeing your doctor when you feel sick. If you aren’t healthy, you can’t take care of someone else.
These moments of relief can provide a chance to recharge and be the best caregiver you can possibly be. You and the person you are caring for should have the opportunity to spend time in safe, supportive environments and participate in enjoyable activities.
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