Silent symptoms of caregiver burnout
Caregiving is undoubtedly one of the hardest and most selfless acts you can ever perform for another person, but sadly it can take its toll. If you’re feeling tired, moody or even resentful, it’s time to step back and reassess your situation. Sometimes these emotions can creep up on you without you even knowing until burnout has well and truly set in. Here are five signs you must keep an eye out for when caring for a loved one.
- You don’t feel like socialising – Spending so much time with one person can be a struggle for many people, even if that person is a loved one.
- You’ve lost interest in your hobbies – Caregiving is both physically and mentally draining, so it’s natural to feel a lack of energy or desire to engage in your interests.
- You’re having depressive or suicidal thoughts – As soon as these thoughts come into your head, it’s time to speak to someone. Whether it’s a loved one or a mental health professional, it’s important to realise that you can overcome these negative thoughts.
- Your diet has changed – Has your appetite completely vanished? Perhaps you’re eating much more than you used to? Both extremes are possible as a result of caregiver stress.
- You have trouble sleeping – Whether it’s falling asleep, staying asleep or getting up in the morning, sometimes the burden of responsibility can negatively impact your sleeping patterns.
- Your immune system is weak – Studies have shown that stress can actually wreak havoc on your immunity and could in fact responsible for 90 per cent of all diseases and illness – even cancer.
Do any of these apply to you? If so, you’re not alone. Caregiver stress is incredibly common, especially if you aren’t receiving any help sharing the responsibility with other loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways you can combat caregiver burnout.
- Get help for yourself – Having someone to unload all your worries on can be extremely therapeutic. If you don’t feel comfortable chatting about it to a friend or family member, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who can give you practical tips on overcoming these issues.
- Get help for your loved one – Splitting the care of your loved one with other family members can help ease the burden of looking after them. If you can afford it, consider hiring a professional carer or, if you think it’s necessary, moving them to an aged care facility.
- Find a way to relax – it’s always a good idea to have something just for yourself when things are tough. A nice warm bath or solitary stroll could be enough to lower your stress levels. Even doing chores around the house can be relaxing, experts believe.
What tips do you have for other caregivers? Share them with us in the comments below.
Related links:
Signs your elderly loved one is suffering abuse or neglect
How to care for someone with depression
The 4 negative feelings every caregiver experiences