by Linda Burhans
The strain of caregiving can lead to exhaustion – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Many times this exhaustion is referred to as Caregiver Burnout.
When a person reaches this stage, no matter how compassionate, caring or loving they may be, many begin to feel detached and become unable to continue to give good care to themselves or their loved one.
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Being able to cope with the strains and stresses of being a Caregiver is part of the art of Caregiving. In order to remain healthy and happy so that we can continue to be good Caregivers, we must be able to see our own limitations and learn to care for ourselves as well as others.
Burnout isn’t like a cold. You don’t always notice it when it is happening. The following are symptoms we might notice in ourselves, or others might say they see in us.
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- Withdrawal from family and other loved ones.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
- You feel furious one minute, sad and helpless the next.
- You can’t remember the last time you met a friend for dinner or a movie.
- You catch every bug that comes your way.
- Increase in use of stimulants and alcohol.
- Change in eating patterns – loss of appetite or overeating.
- Change in sleeping patterns.
- Ongoing and constant fatigue.
- Feelings of depression or helplessness.
Caregiver burnout is real. As a Caregiver Advocate, I see it day in and day out. I have had many adult men and women walk in my office and breakdown in tears. Many people come to my support groups just to chat because they don’t want to burden their family members or show any weakness that they are having difficulty caring for their loved one.
There is help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Next week we will discuss, strategies to ward off caregiver burnout.
Linda Burhans is a keynote speaker, best-selling author and caregiver advocate with Harmony Home Health. To find a caregiver support group or journaling workshop near you facilitated by Linda, go to our Calendar of Events, Support Groups, and Workshops.
