Being a caregiver can take a lot out of you. The role of caregiver can be very difficult and even overwhelming. Many caregivers find themselves feeling frustrated and unhappy at times, but when these feelings seem to be the main emotions you connect with caring for your aging relative, you may be suffering from caregiver burnout. Below are 5 ways to know if you have caregiver burnout.
#1: Spending Less Time with Friends
Have friends been inviting you to spend time with them, but youve been refusing? Perhaps you cant even remember the last time you went out for coffee with a friend. Caregiver burnout can leave you feeling so empty that you dont have anything left to give to other people. As a result, you may withdraw from friends and family, preferring to spend time alone.
#2: No Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities
Are the items involved in your favorite hobby, such as craft supplies, gathering dust because you haven’t touched them in so long? Caregiver burnout can cause people to lose interest in the things they used to enjoy. Instead, you might feel apathetic about your hobbies and have little energy to engage in them.
#3: Easily Irritated
Caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from caregiver burnout may find they get irritated and even angry more easily than they used to. You may be snapping at people who are only trying to help. You might even feel angry at the older adult sometimes.
#4: Not Sleeping Well
Caregiver burnout can affect the way you sleep. You might lie in bed unable to fall asleep, worrying about what you need to get done tomorrow or mistakes you think you made during the day. Or, you may wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious and unable to go back to sleep. These are all signs that caregiving is affecting your health.
#5: Using Alcohol or Drugs
Some caregivers begin to rely on alcohol or drugs to make themselves feel better or get to sleep at night. One glass of wine in the evening might turn to two, three, or more. Or, you may begin abusing sleep aids.
If you recognize the signs of caregiver burnout in yourself, seek help. Consider talking to a doctor or counselor. Hiring home care may also be helpful since it can give you the time you need to rest and take care of yourself.
Sources
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/caregiver-recognizing-burnout#1
https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-caregiver-burnout-97981
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Minneapolis, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
