06 Feb Caregiver Burnout: What It Is and How to Avoid It
You’re a caregiver. You have taken on the extremely important task of providing care for a loved one, whether temporarily after surgery or as he or she recovers, or more long-term as a loved one is chronically or terminally ill. And when you first took on the responsibility, you felt energized, happy to help and intent on making a difference.
But over the last several weeks and months, you notice your outlook changing. You feel tired almost all of the time. You are easily irritated by things that don’t usually bother you. You haven’t given up your post; you’re still the caregiver, but you just don’t feel like yourself lately. You aren’t sleeping well and your eating habits are awful. What is happening and what can you do to make the chaotic feelings stop?
Credit: aginginplace.com
These are all signs of what is called “caregiver burnout,” a state of complete exhaustion–mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and sometimes unconcerned or uncaring. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help, rest and recharging they need. It can happen when they don’t allow time for themselves to make sure their needs are met. Caregiver burnout can also occur when a caregiver tries to do more than he or she is physically or financially capable of doing.
What does caregiver burnout look like?
Being a caregiver is a very rewarding experience, but it can also be an extremely taxing one, and if you aren’t taking care of yourself first, you may find yourself in the grip of caregiver stress—or worse, caregiver burnout. Both caregiver stress and caregiver burnout can leave you feeling depleted physically and emotionally, rendering you less capable of caring for your loved one over time.
Recognizing symptoms of caregiver burnout is key. Look for these things in yourself or in someone you’re concerned about.
Depression. You may feel constant sadness or feelings of hopelessness. You might also find yourself crying more easily or more frequently.
Withdrawal. You may begin to pull away from family and friends. You might not want to see anyone or visit with anyone. Or you might stop participating in activities that you usually enjoy.
Anxiety. You may begin to experience feelings of fear, angst, worry and anxiousness. You might feel stressed out, rushed or pressured when expectations and demands are placed on you. You might even feel dread or fear about facing tomorrow.
Anger. You may notice that you feel increasingly more frustrated or impatient with your loved one. You might have a hard time when trying to control your temper, whether with your loved one, with family and friends or at work. You may find yourself yelling at others. You may feel angry about your situation and about how your willingness to be a caregiver has taken over your own life. You might also feel angry at family members for not carrying part of the load.
Difficulty concentrating. Your mind may be so overwhelmed with thoughts of your loved one, his situation and all you need to do for him, that you find it almost impossible to concentrate on other areas of your life at home or at work.
Credit: dailycaring.com
Changes in eating habits. You may notice that you are eating too much, not eating enough, gaining weight or losing weight. You might neglect your dietary needs altogether.
Insomnia. Even when you’re tired, you may find it impossible to fall asleep. Or you may wake up through the night and not be able to go back to sleep. When you do sleep, you may experience nightmares or stressful dreams.
Exhaustion. This is more than just feeling tired. With exhaustion, you may have days when you feel as though you cannot get out of bed in the morning—even if you slept well.
Drinking or smoking. You may begin to increase the amount of alcohol you drink; you may begin to smoke more than you ever have. You might even begin to smoke or drink, even though you’re not a smoker and usually don’t drink.
Health problems. You may become extremely susceptible to colds and flu or other infections. You may experience more frequent illnesses than before you began serving as a caregiver. This is very common in caregivers who have all but given up on caring for themselves.
Other signs of caregiver burnout
You may find that you’re in the clutches of caregiver burnout. Other symptoms can include the following:
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
• Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless, and helpless
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Changes in sleeping patterns or habits
• Becoming sick more frequently
• Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or others
• Emotional and physical exhaustion
• Excessive use of alcohol and/or inappropriate use of sleep medications
• Excessive irritability
• Feelings of guilt for thinking of taking care of yourself (to the point you neglect self-care)
• A shift in your attitude from one that is positive and caring to one that is negative and aloof
• Feelings of resentment toward your loved one or toward other family members for not helping
What to do if you’re experiencing caregiver burnout
If you are experiencing caregiver burnout, it’s important that you address the situation. Talk with other family members about what you are experiencing and ask about the possibility of another family member serving in the capacity of caregiver while you take a much-needed and well-deserved break. If that’s not a possibility, be sure you are talking to a trusted friend, a pastor or a counselor about what is going on for you.
Credit: caregiverstress.com
It’s important to take care of your own health and not neglect your well-being while providing care for your loved one. Caregiver burnout is serious and can have a negative impact on your mental, emotional and physical health. There is no shame in reaching out for help. You’ll be better for it, and your loved one will continue to receive the loving care you want for them.
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