The people most prone to burnout are family caregivers – people who devote themselves to the unpaid care of chronically ill or disabled family members. The demands of care giving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation or that you’re in over your head.
If you let the stress of caregiving progress to burnout, it can damage both your physical and mental health. So if you’re caring for a family member, it’s essential that you get the support you need.
Warning signs of caregiver burnout.
Once you burn out, caregiving is no longer a healthy option for either you or the person you’re caring for. So it’s important to watch for the warning signs of caregiver burnout and take action right away when you recognize the problem.
Common warning signs of caregiver burnout:
- You have much less energy than you used to.
- It seems as if you catch every cold or flu that’s going around.
- You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break.
- You neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore.
- Your life revolves around care giving, but it gives you little satisfaction.
- You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available.
- You’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person you’re caring for.
- You feel overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless.
The first strategy for preventing caregiver burnout is: Don’t try to do it all alone. Taking on all of the responsibilities of caregiving without regular breaks or assistance is a surefire recipe for burnout.
Preventing caregiver burnout tip 1: Get the help you need.
Ask for help when you need it.
Preventing caregiver burnout tip 2: Seek emotional support.
Although caregivers are often isolated from others, it’s essential that you receive the emotional support you need, so you don’t lose that capacity.
Share what you’re going through with at least one other person. Turn to a trusted friend or family member, join a support group, or make an appointment with a counselor or therapist. You can also draw strength from your faith. A congregation in a church or synagogue can provide the encouragement you need to feel good about your care giving role, and members may also be able to provide a break from time to time.
When you are a caregiver, finding time to nurture yourself might seem impossible. But you owe it to yourself to find the time. Without it, you may not have the mental or physical strength to deal with all of the stress you experience as a caregiver. Give yourself permission to rest and to do things that you enjoy on a daily basis. You will be a better caregiver for it.
This article was originally written by,
David J. Caesar
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