ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM CAREGIVER BURNOUT?

     Are you a caregiver? Someone providing physical, emotional and practical support to a person with chronic illness, disability or age related needs? Did you know 1 in 4 caregivers experience poor mental health? Many of us have experienced our own family members such as grandparents and now parents age and require some degree of caregiving. Not that older adults are the only persons in such need. There are many other relationships and personal dynamics at play. In any case, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout before it becomes problematic. Burnout can effect not only one’s ability to look after the person in their care but to look after oneself. One may delay treatment for mental or physical health conditions by putting the other person’s needs ahead of their own. And if chronic health conditions are left unchecked, quality of life for both individuals can be compromised.

     Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion from committing your time and energy to managing the wellbeing of another person, typically a loved one. It can take a severe toll on the caregiver leading to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, social isolation and guilt. Juggling too many responsibilities and obligations can be stressful especially if it’s more than one person can handle. Sometimes the caregiver feels like they’re the only one who can take care of their loved one properly. Other times, family may place even more duties and responsibility on the primary caregiver.

    Burnout can impact a person in a variety of ways. Key aspects include emotional exhaustion; feeling overwhelmed, angry, frustrated or sad. One may experience constant worry about a loved one’s safety, health and future, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. And one may carry the weight of being responsible if something goes wrong because of a poor decision. Further, one can feel a sense of guilt and helplessness for not doing enough or feeling impatient or even for wanting the situation to end. Having unrealistic expectations of the effect of one’s involvement on the health and happiness of a loved can also lead to frustration as can a lack of appreciation by the care recipient. Withdrawing from friends and family and loss of interest in activities can bring about feelings of loneliness and social isolation. One may feel secluded or alone like they don’t have the support they need, no one wants to help or that asking for help is a sign of weakness. A caregiver can also be at risk for cognitive impairment like brain fog as constant stress leads to an inability to concentrate and difficulty performing daily tasks. Changes in appetite, fluctuations in weight and problems with sleep and your immune system, such as more frequent illness, are all symptoms of burnout. Likewise, one can feel increasing irritability and resentment which can, in some cases, escalate to thoughts of harming the care recipient. A lack of control over the finances, resources and skills needed to manage a loved one’s care can also add to frustration.

    If one is unable to recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout, it’s possible they may not even know they are experiencing it. And this can impact not only the caregiver’s mental and physical health, but the quality of care they are giving. Setting realistic goals, especially if one is balancing other responsibilities with work and family, and knowing one’s limits are key to prevention. It’s important to remember that one’s health and well being matter as much as the care recipient. Self-care is essential. One should not feel guilty for taking time for themselves or doing things that benefit themself and not their loved one. Ensuring proper nutrition, good sleep habits and regular exercise can help one deal with the stress. Practicing activities such as meditation or yoga can be beneficial in addition to taking regular breaks. Be open to accepting help, saying ‘yes’ to offers of assistance while saying ‘no’ say to more tasks. 

     An important first step in treating caregiver burnout is reaching out to a medical practitioner such as a family doctor for assessment. They can also provide guidance for community resources such as support groups and respite care including in-home care, adult daycare and meal programs. Set a routine and be honest with yourself and your situation and how much responsibility you can handle. Remember you are not alone and talking with a mental health professional, such as a registered clinical counsellor, can help you navigate your feelings and problem solve. With proper support and good communication, caregiving can be a very rewarding, although challenging, life experience.