Although it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have, the demands of caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. Maintaining your mental health as a family caregiver requires the ability to find ways to decompress as the long days transition into months and even years. What follows are five tips for preventing caregiver burnout so you can regain a sense of balance, joy, and hope in your life.
Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
Take a personal inventory by honestly answering these questions:
- Is my energy level always depleted?
- Am I constantly getting sick?
- Does my life revolve around caregiving but give me little satisfaction?
- Do I neglect my own needs because I’m too busy or don’t care?
- Do I feel exhausted even after sleeping?
- Do I have trouble relaxing even when help is available?
- Am I becoming increasingly irritable and impatient with others, including my care recipient?
- Do I feel helpless, hopeless, or powerless?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, ignoring these signs won’t make them go away. If not addressed, caregiver burnout can dramatically affect your health and wellbeing – including your mental health.
Mental Health Tips for Stressed Caregivers
Thankfully, improving your state of mind as a caregiver is possible by taking these five steps:
Know your limitations
As an easy trap to fall into, feeling powerless is the primary cause of caregiver burnout. When faced with the unfairness of a loved one’s illness or the perceived futility of their efforts, it’s logical for caregivers to ask themselves “Why?”
Rather than dwell on things you cannot change, focus on those you can. Celebrate small victories along the way, for instance, getting Mom to eat everything on her dinner plate. You’re only human after all, and even Superman takes an occasional break.
Embrace your caregiving decision
Despite any resentments or burdens you may feel, acknowledge that you have made a conscious choice to provide care. Next, focus on the positives that influenced your decision. Maybe you chose to care for an aging parent or grandparent to repay them for the care they gave you growing up. Deep, meaningful motivations like these can help sustain you during difficult times.
Make time to pamper yourself
If you’re not getting much validation from others, find ways to recognize your efforts and reward yourself. When needed, remind yourself what would happen if you were not there taking care of your loved one. Would they be forced to sell their house and move into a nursing home?
At least once a month, take time to pamper yourself with a spa day, shopping spree, or quiet weekend away with your friends or significant other.
Express pent-up feelings
Rather than keeping unhealthy feelings bottled up inside, let them out by talking to a supportive friend, family member, or faith leader. Other ways to find support and decompress include professional counseling, joining a caregiver support group, or starting a caregiving journal.
Take a caregiving break
Even the most “battle-hardened” caregivers eventually need to take time off. Rather than compromise the health of you and your loved one, seek outside relief from trusted “respite care” sources like:
- Friends, relatives, and neighbors
- Community volunteers that work with the aging
- Adult day care
- A meal delivery service
- A professional respite caregiver from a reputable home care provider
When needed, taking a well-deserved caregiving break is a surefire to ensure your mental health remains strong no matter what life has in store for you!
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Our turnkey home care services include everything from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to light housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance with bathing and dressing. From a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, our customized in-home care solutions have got your family covered. Click here now to learn more about Assisting Hands Home Care or schedule a free consultation for a senior in Northwest Boston.
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