8 Common Signs & Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
According to data from the Family Caregiver Alliance, approximately 34.2 million Americans provide unpaid care to adults aged 50 or older. Nearly 15% of these caregivers care for more than one person, and 3% of them care for three or more people.
Caregiving can be rewarding because it allows you to pour back into someone who brings value to your life. However, it isn’t without its challenges. The emotional, physical, and financial labor involved in caregiving can be overwhelming.
As a result, many caregivers experience burnout. Whether you’re currently a caregiver, will become one in the future, or desire to know how to help a caregiver in your life, discover the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout and what you can do to help prevent this phenomenon.
What Is Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout is simply the exhaustion you feel when caring for a loved one. This usually happens on emotional, physical, and mental levels. It often occurs when your giving exceeds your resources. You may feel neglected and unsupported, finding it difficult to care for yourself and take care of your other responsibilities.
Common Causes of Caregiver Burnout
The source of every caregiver’s burnout will be unique to their individual situation. However, some common causes underlie many cases, such as:
- Lack of clarity in relationship roles
- Emotional demands caused by the loved one’s condition
- Trying hard to meet everyone’s needs at the same time
- Lack of privacy or downtime
- Unrealistic expectations from your loved one or others
If you are experiencing any of these issues, you may be at higher risk for caregiver burnout.
8 Signs of Caregiver Burnout
It’s challenging to treat or prevent burnout when you aren’t sure what to look for. Consider the following eight signs that you may be experiencing caregiver burnout.
1. Exhaustion and Fatigue
You may feel physically and mentally tired all the time. Although this can be from the physical work of caregiving, it can also be caused by emotional exhaustion.
2. Feeling Hopeless, Anxious, or Depressed
Caregivers often feel like their current situation will never end. If you experience this, it can make you feel uneasy about the future or cause feelings of depression or hopelessness to set in.
3. Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
Your physical and emotional symptoms may make it difficult to get on a regular sleep schedule. You may have problems falling asleep at night or not want to get out of bed in the morning.
4. Neglecting Your Own Self-Care
You may not feel like you have the time or energy to groom yourself properly, exercise, or make nutritious meals. Unfortunately, this can also contribute to the lack of physical and mental energy you may experience.
5. Losing Interest in Your Hobbies
Some caregivers find it pointless to engage in things that once made them happy. This can be yet another contributor to feelings of depression.
6. Emotional and Physical Isolation
In some cases, you may not want to be around others or think that your feelings and situation will burden them. This can cause extreme loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
7. Physical Aches, Pains, and Sickness
You may find yourself getting sick more often or experiencing an increase in headaches, stomachaches, or joint pain.
8. Irritation or Anger
Feeling hopeless or stuck in an unwanted situation can lead you to become angry or lash out at others. This is a definite sign that you need to seek help for your burnout.
How Can Caregiver Burnout Be Treated and Prevented?
The first step to recovering from burnout is to start practicing honesty with yourself and others. It’s important to realize that you can’t do everything alone. Know what you can and cannot do, and stick to your boundaries as much as possible.
Next, make a list of resources you have access to, including other family members, friends, support groups, and social service organizations. Write down all the ways that these resources can support you and your loved one in your caregiving journey.
Then, reach out and ask for help from these resources. You’ll need to expend extra energy to pick up the phone or fill out some paperwork. However, it will be worth it to offload some of your responsibilities.
Once you’ve gotten some help, try to get some downtime. It’s a good idea to take regular breaks to do things you love and that help you relax. This can give you some short-term relief so you can rest and regain some energy to continue the work.
Finally, make sure to attend to your own mental and physical health. Try to prepare nutritious meals for yourself, get some exercise, get adequate sleep, and find a few minutes to meditate or clear your mind. You’ll have more energy for caregiving and feel better.
Early Identification Is the Key to an Effective Remedy
Undoubtedly, caregiving can be stressful. Amid all of your daily responsibilities in caring for your loved one and others around you, it’s essential to check in with yourself regularly to assess whether you are showing signs of burnout. If you are, seek help.
Even if you haven’t yet hit the point where you are experiencing burnout, knowing the symptoms can be helpful. With early intervention, proper support, and a reorganization of your priorities, you can get on the path back to well-being.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
