Caring for a loved one can make you vulnerable to stress and sometimes burnout from your responsibilities. When we care for an older adult or a family member with a chronic illness or disability, we generally give everything we have to the individual. For this reason, caregiving can be an emotionally and physically demanding experience for you as a caregiver.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout can help you understand when to seek help. In this blog, we identify the common signs of caregiver burnout and offer solutions to relieve stress.
Common Signs of Caregiver Stress and Burnout
Stress can vary in intensity and duration, and chronic stress can quickly lead to burnout, affecting you mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Common signs of caregiver stress are:
- Mood changes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Physical aches and pains
- Low energy
- Feeling anxious
- Diarrhea
- Heart racing
- More frequent illness
This list represents where it can all start. As a caregiver, you are vulnerable and very susceptible to experiencing stress in some form at varying levels. Stress that goes untreated can lead to more serious behaviors, like overeating and drinking, which can affect your blood pressure or increase your risk of diabetes.
Common signs of caregiver burnout are:
- Exhaustion
- Loss of focus
- Lack of interest in things that you were previously interested in
- Depression
- Headaches
- Feeling worthless
Contact a care manager if you feel overwhelmed and suspect it is stress-related. A professional care manager can evaluate your caregiving situation and work with you to create a plan of care that helps alleviate your stress and provides your family member with quality care options.
Related: Read about Linda’s caregiving journey with her mom >>
According to Very Well Mind, “Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being.”
There are many stressors involved in caregiving, from juggling your loved one’s needs, monitoring their declining health, or providing prolonged care without a break. Your loved one may be resistant to taking medication, using their assistive device, or eating nutritious meals. Their resistance can cause feelings of stress and worry.
Contact Waverly Connect for Ongoing Support and Resources
Professional care managers can ensure your loved one’s needs are met. Our care managers at Waverly Connect can help both the family and the person needing the care by providing resources for short-term solutions to long-term care. Let’s start with a care plan! Contact us today to learn more.
