What Is Caregiver Burnout? We cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of yourself while you take care of your loved one. People often underestimate how physically and emotionally exhausting caregiving can be, especially if the responsibility falls to one person.
COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS: • Insomnia or restless sleep • Headaches and backaches • Feeling physically “drained” • Lingering colds • Changes in your weight • High blood pressure COMMON EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS: • Becoming easily frustrated and irritable • Having a short temper • Feeling overwhelmed or profound loneliness • Decreased self-esteem • Depression • Anxiety • Feeling like you have nothing else to give Caregiver Burnout can be avoided. You should not feel guilty for nurturing yourself. Taking time to recharge your mind, body and spirit can help you be a better caregiver.
Caregiver Burnout can be dangerous to you and your loved one. Feeling extreme stress over extended periods of time will affect your health, motivation, attitude and mood, as well as your ability to cope with your daily responsibilities. CAREGIVER BURNOUT IS A RESULT OF: • Not asking for help • Having unreasonably high expectations of yourself • Having difficulty saying “no” • Consistently sacrificing yourself and your needs for the benefit of others • Feeling like you are the only person capable of providing care
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