Stress is a normal reaction to difficult life situations. It’s something we all experience. It’s a natural response to the difficulties that come along with being a caregiver for someone. If you’re a caregiver, you know how difficult this role can be, and it’s important to recognize when normal stress has led to burnout.
Here are some common signs of burnout:
- Change in sleep patterns
- A sense of ongoing fatigue/exhaustion
- Withdrawal from social supports/contacts - alienation
- Persistently feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling ineffective
- Change in eating patterns
- Increase in use of alcohol or other mind-altering substances
- Feelings of helplessness
- Feeling trapped
- Decreased motivation
- Taking frustrations out on others
- Change in motivation and productivity
Being a caregiver can be very difficult. It’s filled with decisions, burdens and responsibilities. If you’re a caregiver, you’ve likely been told by others that “you need to take care of yourself.” Well, as a caregiver, you know that this isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Many times, it feels easier to just go to bed, turn on the TV or zone out. But, if you’re experiencing burnout, these habits won’t help improve the way you feel. On the contrary, they make it harder to effectively care for yourself and others.
As you start working toward improving the toll that burnout and caregiving is having on you mentally, emotionally and physically, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Make your goals realistic – start small
- Be compassionate with yourself if you’re not perfect
- Keep a journal of how the small changes are having a positive impact
- Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’ll work for you
- Be kind to yourself
- Reach out to others for support: friends, support groups, family
- Set boundaries for yourself around negative influences and people
- Set aside time for relaxation, meditation and creativity
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Make exercise a priority
- Reach out to a therapist for support
Most importantly, always do your best. Recognize that your best will look different each day and that’s okay.