Caregiver burnout is a real condition and should not be taken lightly. It is described as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.”
Burnout can occur for any number of reasons, but usually happens because the caregiver has tried to do more than she/he is able, either physically or financially, (or both). Burnout symptoms include:
Social withdrawal from friends, family and loved ones.
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
A constant feeling of hopelessness or irritability and helplessness.
Changes in weight.
Sleeplessness coupled with complete emotional and physical exhaustion.
Frequent illness.
Depression that will not go away. (It’s normal to experience feelings of depression, anger, and/or frustration, but if it persists, you should seek professional help.)
How to Avoid Burnout The best way you can avoid caregiver burnout is to create and use a well-planned support system:
Set realistic goals and turn to others for relief with certain tasks.
Stay realistic about the illness you are confronted with. Your role is not to heal, but to help make life manageable for your loved one. You can be an advocate, but you cannot fix what is wrong.
Set aside time for yourself. This is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Talk to a professional if you feel your life is spinning out of control. You cannot afford not to.
Explore/research respite care services and options. If finances are an issue for you, then ask others to step in on a regularly scheduled basis, to give you a break.
Educate yourself and take the time to research and learn. There is an abundance of information and resources available. Contact local organizations in your area to find help.
Stick to the basics: eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest. Know when it’s okay to turn off the phone and be quiet.
Pamper yourself. Take a bath; a long shower; spend time in nature; tap into your own spirituality and ask for help.
Accept your feelings of frustration and anger as normal.
Join a caregiving support group. Sharing your feelings with others in your same situation can be extremely helpful. Support groups help you manage stress, locate resources and provide a venue to reduce feelings of frustration and isolation.
Make time for activities you enjoy. I know – you don’t have time. You have to make time.
Caregiving is rewarding, but there will be times when you will also feel anger, sadness, frustration and grief. Try not to judge your feelings, but rather, embrace them. They are neither good nor bad, but rather a normal part of being human.
Caregiving is hard work, filled with numerous demands. Sadly, many caregivers lose perspective about the importance of their role and feel guilty if they spend time on themselves. You cannot care for another person if you do not care for yourself. Caring for yourself is not an option and truth is; a sick caregiver is no caregiver at all. Professional caregivers do not work around-the-clock. They take time off. You must be kind to yourself and embrace the idea that your role as a caregiver is vital to our society. You are engaged in the ultimate service – giving of yourself to another person. Honor your role and honor yourself.
For more information on this subject The Care Company offers an E-book filled with information and ideas on ways to care for yourself. We ask you to think about, What Your Life is Worth? See The Store to purchase the E-book, Caring for Yourself.
