Recognizing Stress: Catch it Before it Becomes Burnout
Every day, caregivers provide help to others: family members, friends, and clients. They give from the heart, making sure that everything is as good as possible. But the constant demands and endless responsibilities can wear down the most compassionate caregiver. The daily and nightly stress can lead to problems for you, as a caregiver, including your own health issues.
Start by learning to recognize these common signs that you’re starting to be stressed:
• You feel tired all the time, even after sleeping
• You may even have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• You have trouble concentrating or paying attention
• You feel irritated and impatient with others, including the patient
• You ignore your own needs and health, because you feel you don’t have time
• You may start to eat, drink, or smoke more
• You cancel plans with friends or refuse their invitations
• You feel depressed: sluggish, helpless, and hopeless
If you found yourself nodding in agreement at any of the items above, STOP! Please remember that you deserve compassionate care, too. It’s time to re-assess the day, and find ways to improve your situation before you burn out. Here are five things that you should do, starting today:
1. Tell people! If you don’t let others know that your batteries are running low, they assume that all is well. Don’t be afraid to speak up about how you’re feeling. Let people know what you need.
2. Say YES to offers! One of the most difficult things for a caretaker can be to accept help. People don’t offer unless they’re sincere and they really do want to contribute. If their offer is useful, accept! If not, say something like, “Thanks so much, but instead of washing my car, could you .......?” Have a list of tasks handy.
3. Involve others! Share responsibilities; everything from driving to appointments to paying bills online. Recruit relatives; accept offers from neighbors and church friends. Even people far away can help; they can review the medical bills or order items online.
4. Give yourself an hour! Every single day, find an hour for just you. Read, watch your favorite TV show, knit, take a bath. Write in a journal. Whatever you love or need at the moment, do it. Even on the most hectic day, carve out a thirty minute break.
5. Get out! Besides your daily break, you need fresh air and a brief respite. Walk in the park, take a run, wander the grocery aisles, do some gardening. Better yet, meet a friend for coffee. Just leave the house for a while. It’s refreshing!
Sometimes it may feel as if finding time to relax or take a break is impossible. You may feel guilty for wanting to get away, or that you’re failing to take care of everything. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Take care of yourself, and you’ll find you can return to your caregiver role in a happier, healthier way.
