While most caregivers feel their role gives them a sense of purpose, the role of caring for another person can become stressful and exhausting. Caring for a loved one with mental health disorder can be challenging for the caregiver due to the various factors involved. When caregivers fail to address the stress, they are at the risk for caregiver burnout.
Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout occurs when a caregiver feels emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. They are at a risk for burnout when they don’t get the help they need or take time for self-care.
Causes
There are many contributors to feeling burnt-out, and there are just as many ways to avoid it from happening. It is vital to try to pinpoint the cause and prevent it because the person you’re caring for depends on you to feel the best.
The first reason for caregiver burnout is not taking adequate time for yourself. It sounds selfish, but in reality, it isn’t. One cannot offer the best care possible to someone else if they themselves are tired, worn out, or in need of a good break. Sometimes you just need to take a break and breathe, and that is perfectly okay. You must try to schedule some time for yourself into your day and not just squeeze it into an early morning or later in the evening. Take 30 minutes and do something refreshing. Take a quick nap, read a book, or take a short walk.
Another big reason for a burn-out can be unrealistic expectations. At times, we believe as caregivers that we can start caring for someone and make everything all better again. Sometimes, that’s not possible. Sometimes we may think that we will never get frustrated or upset. We think we can handle bills, groceries, household work and also be there for the person we are caring for. This is a difficult task. This is not a sign of failure, but a sign of being a normal human being. So, it’s best to be calm and work things out.
Symptoms
Caregivers can be so involved with the person they care for that sometimes they become unaware that their personal health is taking a backseat. The first step is to always notice the symptoms of caregiver burnout.
Fight the tendency to slip into denial and be on the lookout for symptoms like these:
1. Change in eating habits
2. Weight Loss or Gain
3. Anxiety
4. Lack of energy and overwhelming fatigue
5. Losing of interest in work
6. Sleep problems
7. Neglecting physical and emotional needs
8. Depression or Mood Swings
9. Headaches, Stomach aches, and other physical difficulties
Precautions
1. Connecting with Friends and Family
Caregiving is a time-consuming activity and one can feel lonely. When this happens, it is best to connect with friends and family. Spend a few minutes each time to make a social connection. It can be a quick email to a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while, a phone call, or even a quick text. Reaching out to friends and family makes one feel good.
2. Have a Balanced Diet
As busy caregivers, we tend to grab quick bites often, a frozen meal here, some chips there. But this is not a healthy choice. Keep a track of how you’re eating to determine how nutritious your meal has become. It’s always easy to work after healthier meals, and loading up the food supply with things like whole grains, nuts, and fresh fruits and veggies. A balanced diet can offer you the emotional boost when you put in the work to make a meal from nutritious choices, just for you.
3. Small Escapes
Spend some time engaging in fun activities that have nothing to do with caregiving. Set aside time for activities that you enjoy and indulge in new things. You might surprise to know how much better you’ll feel knowing that you have a little time off coming your way every day.
Caring for someone with Dementia requires full-time support, thus taking a toll on the overall well-being. Always remember, when you take care of yourself, you can take better care of others around you. It is vital to know that you don’t have to do this alone.
At GMG Homecare, our goal is to offer uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their family members. The specialized care plans we create for our clients consider physical goals as well as non-physical mental health needs. Our caregivers offer companionship and help families stay connected through technology. We strive to elevate the human spirit through compassionate and joyful care.
We are here for you and your caregiver when you need to make the transition. We help both individuals and caregivers with memory impairments live happier and stronger lives. Connect with us to know more.