Caregiver Stress & Burnout: Taking Proper Care of Yourself
Millions of Americans take care of their loved ones, sometimes even caring for more than one person. While being a caregiver is rewarding, sometimes the demands can be challenging, leading to stress and burnout if left unchecked. Taking care of yourself is important if you are to give better elder care.
Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress and Burnout
It is important to recognize what your body is telling you so that you can take immediate action. This way, you prevent a situation where you may be unable to provide senior care to your loved one. If you are ill, the person you are taking care of will also suffer.
Symptoms of Stress
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety and irritability
- Feeling tired all the time
- Having trouble concentrating
- Overreacting to trivial issues
- Feeling resentful
- Deteriorating health (new or worsening problems)
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Skipping leisure activities
- Drinking, eating, or smoking more(weight gain/loss)
- Depression
Symptoms of Burnout
- Energy levels are always low compared to before
- Constantly tired even after resting
- Low immunity (catching every cold that is going around)
- Always feeling helpless and hopeless
- Have trouble relaxing
- Increased impatience and irritability towards the person you are caring for
- Anxiety about the future
- Trouble coping with everyday issues
- Withdrawing from other activities and concentrating on caregiving but still can't find satisfaction
- You feel like caregiving is controlling your life.
How to Deal With Stress and Burnout
Here is some advice on how to properly take care of your body and mind:
Take Care of Your Health
Take care of your body by getting enough sleep, eating and hydrating, regularly exercising, and attending all your doctor's appointments. You can find time for yourself by waking up early or doing exercises when your loved one is sleeping. Easy to prepare meals will ensure you fuel your body every day. Also, consider exploring the benefits of meditation and mindfulness.
Ask For Caregiving Help
When you shoulder the caregiving all by yourself, with no breaks or respite, you are bound to crash and burn at some point. Speak up and let family members and friends know you need help. While others may not help you with caregiving, they can run errands for you. Family and friends who are far away can shoulder financial bills. You can also look into respite care.
Give Yourself a Break
You need a break to relax and recharge, especially if you are taking care of someone who needs constant attention. Maintaining outside relationships ensures you have people to talk and share with. If you can't leave the house, invite them over for coffee or tea. But once in a while, consider utilizing in home care and professional caregivers to step in and provide your senior’s home care so that you can go out.
Join a Caregiver Support Group
A support group can provide a safe place to vent your emotions and share your feelings. Meeting people who are in the same situation lets you know you are not alone. Also, when they are caring for people with the same illness as your loved one, you can share invaluable care and coping information. If leaving the house is a challenge, you can join an online support group. Look into hospitals, religious organizations, and health plans for support groups.
Take proper care of yourself, your mind, and your body, and your senior will thank you. You will be better placed to cater to your senior's needs when your mind and body are well. Contact us today to learn more about how Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City's professional caregivers can provide your senior in-home elder care and respite while you take a well-deserved and much-needed break.