According to a study done by the Family Caregiver’s Alliance, over 20% of family caregivers suffer from mild to severe depression. Taking care of a loved one who has age-related disabilities or dementia may seem fulfilling, yet in reality, it can be completely overwhelming.
It is important to watch out for the signs of caregiver burnout to prevent yourself from going down the negative spiral of depression and physical pain. Caregiving itself does not cause depression, however, the emotional toll and sacrificing your well-being to take care of your parent can lead to burnout.
The problem is how do you know when your caregiving role is taking its toll on your well-being? If you are not able to identify the signs of caregiver burnout, you could be reaching the stages of depression without even knowing it.
Thankfully, we’ve created this article to help you understand the signs of caregiver burnout, so that you can figure out a plan in enough time to get the help you need. Keep on reading to learn more.
1. Resentment
Many people take care of their aging parents because they feel it is the “right thing to do”. This moral belief can lead to you ignoring your own needs so you can take care of your parents. This belief stems from the idea that if our parents took care of us when we were little, we should be taking care of them.
Firstly, it is important to know that the feelings of resentment are normal. You may feel “trapped” by your parent’s dependency on you, and then feel guilty for having those feelings of resentment, which is like a double-ended sword.
Be aware when you experience feelings of resentment, as this is telling you when you need to take a break and hire someone such as respite care to help you care for your parent.
2. You Are Missing Out on Important Events
Sometimes we can be so consumed while taking care of aging parents, that we can forget about important events in our own lives. If you notice that you have forgotten about events such as birthdays, parties, work meetings, and nights out with a friend, it may be time to take a break.
Your parents would never expect you to miss out on the enjoyment of life so you can take care of them. So take some time for yourself, hire respite care, and enjoy these important events!
3. You Are Neglecting Your Health
Taking care of your aging parents can be tiresome and strenuous, which means that you need to increase your self-care so you can prevent caregiver burnout. If you realized that you are not taking care of your well-being. not only will you reach burnout, but you will also not be able to properly take care of your parents.
Make sure that your caregiving roles are not causing you to miss out on doctor’s appointments, dental visits, and giving yourself the care that you need.
Here are some tips for taking care of yourself to prevent caregiver burnout:
Eat Properly
Focus on nourishing yourself with adequate nutrition so that your mind and body are properly fueled. This will help you to take care of yourself so that you can be healthy enough to provide the care for your parents. Focus on consuming a wide range of vegetables, quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats.
Move Your Body
One of the warning signs of caregiver burnout is the reluctancy to workout. Working out will not only improve your health, but it will also help with your mental well-being. Exercise boosts feel-good endorphins in your brain called serotonin and dopamine, which improve your overall mood and helps to combat depression.
4. You Feel Stressed
One of the most common signs of caregiver burnout is experiencing stress. Not only will stress affect your mental well-being, but it can also manifest in physical symptoms and affect your physical health.
To cope with the stress, create a mindful routine that promotes relaxation. This could look like a nightly bubble bath, a regular yoga practice, daily meditation, breathing into relaxation, or reading your favorite book.
5. Changes in Mood
If you notice some changes in your mood and well-being, you are probably dealing with caregiver burnout. Being the primary caretaker for your parents is enough to shift your mood for the worse, even for the happiest of personalities.
If you are feeling exhaustion, anger, grief, sadness, irritability, anxiety, isolation, or any similar feelings, this is a major warning sign that you are overworking yourself as a caregiver.
6. Your Financial Health is Suffering
According to an article by Pew Research Center, there are over 40.4 million unpaid caregivers over the age of 65 living in the United States. Since caring for your parents is a nearly full time, this can lead to missed days at work and the inability to fulfill your financial needs.
Avoid the negative impact on your finances by hiring some senior care services to come in and help you with some tasks such as cleaning and cooking for your parents. This way, you can put more attention into your career, and providing the personal and emotional care that your parents need.
7. Feeling Anxiety and Irritability
If taking care of your parents leaves you to feel anxious, irritable, and overwhelmed, you are experiencing one of the major warning signs of caregiver burnout. Helping your aging parent should feel heartwarming, not cause you to feel these types of emotions.
If you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and irritable, consider your options for respite care so that you can take care of your mental health first.
Learn More Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
If you have been experiencing the above warning signs of caregiver burnout, you need to take action sooner than later. If not, you could be affecting your health to the point where you can no longer help your parent.
To learn more about how you can hire respite care, senior care, or home care services, feel free to contact us to get the help you need.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
