Information on Caregiver Burnout

Information on Caregiver Burnout

Caregivers, individuals who care for the physical and/or psychological needs of others, often fail to recognize and meet their own needs. Being focused on tending to the day-to-day needs of others can cause one to ignore their own personal and emotional well-being. This is often a major factor that contributes to stress and other problems associated with caregiver burnout.

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive caring to negative and apathetic.” Studies by the Family Caregivers Alliance have shown that caregiving compromises health with approximately sixty percent of caregivers being clinically depressed.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

The most apparent signs of burnout are increased stress and feelings of depression. Learning to recognize these signs of burnout will enable caregivers to take preventive measures to maintain their own health and well-being.

Other warning signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout often include:

Caregiver burnout is not the result of a single event but rather a combination of circumstances, experiences and responses. The many round-the- clock physical and emotional demands of caring for another can end up taking a heavy toll on both your body and mind. Dealing with caregiver burdens is not an act of selfishness. It’s a difficult job and many times help is needed to take care of both your loved one and yourself. It’s okay to ask for help and it actually helps the person you care for because you will become a more patient and effective caregiver.

RECOGNIZING AND COPING WITH CAREGIVER BURNOUT