Recognizing the Signs of Caregiver Burnout & Stress
Caring for an elderly family member is a big responsibility that can be hard for family members to handle. Family caregivers may experience stress and tiredness if they must place the care recipient's needs over their own, their family's, and their job duties.
The mental and physical costs of caregiving aren't always easy to see. Usually, the people who know you best, such as family and friends, will notice a shift in your behavior before anybody else.
To stop caregiver burnout, it's important to know the signs of stress and emotional strain. Here are some ways to keep family caregivers in Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Orono, and the rest of mid-Maine from burning out.
What Are Common Signs of Caregiver Burnout?
If you are the primary caregiver for an aging friend or family member, it is crucial that you learn to detect the warning symptoms of caregiver burnout. You can't provide adequate care for a loved one if you're exhausted all the time.
Common signs of caregiver burnout include:
- Feelings of resentment or guilt
- Exhaustion, low energy and fatigue
- Anxiety or worry
- Irritability or anger
- No longer finding joy in caregiving or other activities
- Hyperfocusing on caregiving responsibilities
- Blaming your loved one or yourself for their situation
- Lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns
- Lack of interest or ability in eating well, exercising or attending social events
- Excessive smoking, drinking or eating
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Physical pain, such as headaches and backaches
How to Reduce Caregiver Stress
If you refuse to take a break from your caregiving duties, you may negatively impact your mental health, relationships, and ability to care for your senior loved one. Surprisingly, taking time off for yourself is the best way to avoid burnout.
Here are some ways family caregivers in Bangor can manage burnout:
Relaxation and self-care
Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, prayer, and practicing mindfulness may be seamlessly integrated into regular routines. Even if you can only spare five minutes a day, you should try to meditate or pray every day.
Proper nutrition and exercise
Your body may benefit tremendously from a nutritious diet, which can also provide you with the energy you need to go through the day. Lighter kinds of exercise, such as brisk walking or utilizing the stairs, may promote the production of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" chemicals, and improve stamina, weight loss, and mood. When you're less worn out and stressed, you're better able to take care of your loved one.
Talk to your doctor
If self-care measures for managing your stress haven't been effective, it may be time to see a medical professional. The doctor can give you advice on how to better take care of yourself physically and mentally.
Join a support group
Joining a local caregiver support group is a great idea if you are regularly caring for a loved one and would want to meet other individuals in a similar position as well as obtain tips on how to manage your caregiving obligations better. Talking to someone who has gone through a similar experience may be comforting, but sharing your own experience can be much more relieving.
Consider respite care from Visiting Angels of Bangor
When caring for an elderly relative, it's common to need help from others. If you need a break from caring for a loved one, Visiting Angels of Bangor offers respite care. Our caregivers can help around the home, respond to your loved one's emotional and physical needs, and ensure they're safe and comfortable. So, you can be sure that your older family member is getting the specialized care they need from a kind and skilled professional caregiver so that you can focus on your own needs.
Call our Bangor, ME office at 207-605-8288 to schedule a free in-home consultation today!