{"id":5619,"date":"2018-11-01T09:00:01","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T13:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/?p=5619"},"modified":"2023-05-18T16:02:05","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T20:02:05","slug":"recognize-prevent-caregiver-burnout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/recognize-prevent-caregiver-burnout\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Recognize and Prevent Caregiver Burnout"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your role as a caregiver is extremely important. You provide comfort and aid to someone who can no longer fully support themselves. But caregiving often creates burnout, fatigue, and stress. Caregiver burnout can keep you from enjoying your life and\u00a0lead to problems between you and the person you\u2019re caring for.<\/em><\/p>\n

Studies show anxiety and depression can be linked to caregiving. Some common symptoms include emotional fluctuations, a change in eating habits, inability to sleep, extreme fatigue, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

Here are some\u00a0common signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0that should alert you it\u2019s time for a break:<\/p>\n

Emotional rollercoaster<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re furious one second and on the floor in tears the next. The emotional stress of being a caregiver takes a toll on your emotions and your actions, particularly\u00a0if you have taken on the role\u00a0suddenly. When you feel you are losing control, try\u00a0to step back and take a breath. Go to another room or, if you can, get outside for a walk. Find someone you can confide in who will listen to you without making you feel guilty, whether that\u2019s a spouse, a friend, or a therapist.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re sick all the time<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Have you found that since you\u2018ve taken on caregiving duties, you are catching every little bug? It\u2019s not a coincidence. Stress weakens your immune system, making\u00a0you more susceptible to catching colds and viruses. It\u2018s important to eat nutritious foods and fit exercise into your regular schedule. Keep up with your routine doctor visits, and get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s important to figure out how to fit these things back into your schedule. Start small by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Add small bouts of exercise, like walking up and down stairs or doing jumping jacks in your living room. You\u2019ll sleep better when you\u2019re eating and exercise routines improve.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t remember the last time you\u00a0went out<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Being a caregiver\u00a0is an important role, and you want to be available to your loved one. That doesn\u2019t mean\u00a0you can\u2019t have a social life too. If you can\u2019t remember the last time you met up with a friend for coffee or a movie, it\u2019s time to adjust your schedule. Going out with friends is important for your psyche. Call up a friend today and make plans within the next week. If you can\u2019t leave the house, set aside time to catch up with a friend by phone or video call, or invite them over.\u00a0Having friends is vital to your health and happiness.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re exhausted but can\u2019t sleep<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stress can negatively impact your sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you\u2019re exhausted when you go to bed but still can\u2019t get a good sleep, you might be burnt out. Give your body a chance to recover by having someone take over your caregiving for a\u00a0while\u00a0and come up with an action plan to make sure you have time to unwind and focus on other things besides caregiving.<\/p>\n

Being a caregiver is a full-time job for a lot of people who have aging parents, but it\u2019s important not to let it run your life. If you are experiencing any of these signs of caregiver burnout, it\u2019s time to reconsider your schedule.<\/p>\n

The Family Caregiver Alliance, a non-profit organization, has a great resource on their site to help you find state-by-state programs and services to help family caregivers. Visit their site<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.caregiver.org\/family-care-navigator<\/span><\/a><\/span> to find many resources for caregivers.<\/p>\n

Over 43 million Americans are providing unpaid care to family members. There is no doubt this is an important role. Looking after your basic needs helps keep you going so you can continue to provide good care for those depending on you.<\/p>\n

Here are quick tips to ease caregiver burnout a little bit:<\/strong><\/h3>\n