Did you know that there are 1.2 million primary carers in Australia?
If you’re one of them, hats off to you. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges.
Over time, the emotional impact can build up, especially with the caregiver’s long-term responsibilities that may last for years. It can be particularly tough if you feel overwhelmed, see no hope for improvement, or watch your family member’s condition worsen despite your best efforts. If your stress from caregiving is left unchecked, it can affect your health, relationships, and mental state, leading to burnout.
You don’t need to struggle alone.
Recognising these challenges and seeking support are a must. We’re here to help you prevent caregiver burnout but also support you if you’re already experiencing it.
What is Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout happens when your well-being gets neglected while you devote all your time and energy to caring for someone else. It can also occur when you take on more than
you can handle emotionally, physically, or financially.
Imagine the flame of a candle flickering and dying – that’s what caregiver burnout can feel like. Your ability to care for yourself and your loved one diminishes.
The Emotional Toll of Burnout
Burnout manifests in different ways for everyone. Here are some common emotional signs:
- Anxiety or Fear: You constantly worry about making mistakes that could harm the person you’re caring for.
- Anger or Frustration: You might feel resentment if the person in your care doesn’t accept, want, or appreciate your efforts.
- Denial: You downplay the seriousness of the situation, which can prevent you from seeking help.
- Guilt: Taking time for yourself can feel selfish, leading to self-blame and neglecting your own needs.
- Despair and Hopelessness: The constant demands and challenges can make you feel like giving up.
- Seclusion or loneliness: You may withdraw from friends and family, feeling alone and unsupported.
Remember, you’re not alone. These feelings are common with burnout, but it’s important not to let them control you. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Stress or Burnout: How to Know the Difference
Caregiver burnout and stress are related but not the same. You can have stress without being burnt out, and you can get burnt out because of prolonged stress.
Knowing whether you’re stressed or burnt out helps you find the remedy that is good for you.
Stress
Stress is short-term and part of your everyday life. If you’re stressed, you can still manage your caregiving tasks despite the pressure you have.
10 Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress
- You cut back on leisure activities.
- You have trouble sleeping.
- You overdrink, overeat, or over-smoke.
- You are physically tired.
- You feel resentful and frustrated.
- You are irritable, anxious, and depressed.
- You unconsciously neglect your responsibilities.
- You have headaches, muscle tension, or acid reflux.
- You overreact to minor nuisances.
- You can’t concentrate.
To relieve stress, you can take time off from caregiving and get enough rest. Exercising, singing, or catching up with friends can help you feel motivated again.
Burnout
While stress is like a low battery, burnout is like a dead battery. It’s the result of prolonged stress, leading to feelings of disengagement and hopelessness.
10 Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
- You constantly feel exhausted, even after rest.
- You find it difficult to relax, even with help available.
- You feel disconnected from your loved ones.
- You frequently catch colds or flu.
- You become impatient with the person you’re caring for.
- You constantly feel inadequate and unhappy with your loved one’s health progress.
- You feel drained and used up.
- You neglect your own needs due to busyness.
- You become apathetic, leading you to isolation
- You feel helpless and pessimistic.
Recognising the difference between stress and burnout helps you find the necessary steps to address them. Before you treat your burnout, identify where you’re coming from.
What Causes Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout occurs when you fail to meet your needs and don’t take care of yourself. Here are the several factors that contribute to caregiver burnout.
Role Confusion
Stepping into a caregiver role can blur the lines between being a caregiver and being a spouse, friend, or child. When multiple family members are involved in caring for an ill loved one, unclear roles can lead to increased stress.
Unmet Expectations
Like many caregivers, you may believe your care will positively affect the health and happiness of your loved one. While this is true, caregiving is still exasperating, making it hard to meet your loved one’s expectations.
Lack of Resources
You may feel frustrated by a lack of finances, resources, or skills needed to effectively care for your sick loved one.
Too Many Responsibilities
Caregiving can feel like you are juggling too many obligations at once. From looking after a family member, and providing for your household needs to going to work, you will feel restless.
Lack of Awareness
You might miss the signs of burnout, dismissing your feelings as simply being busy. Not recognising your stress can negatively impact your caregiving ability and relationships.
How to Treat Caregiver Burnout
Your mental health matters and you may benefit from trying a combination of strategies to feel well again. Here are some steps to treat caregiver burnout.
Talk to a Therapist or Counsellor
Talking to a professional who understands caregiver challenges can help you process your thoughts and feelings.
Be Honest and Open
Be honest and open with what you feel. Downplaying your struggles won’t help. Your counsellor needs to understand the root cause of your burnout to support your recovery.
Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care is a necessity. If you make time for yourself unhurriedly, you can lovingly take care of your loved ones. Eat well-balanced meals, take a walk, and get enough sleep to replenish your energy.
Ask for Help
Asking for and accepting help can be challenging. Your support system may not recognize your needs unless you communicate them. For example, if you’re cleaning, ask for help with other chores like preparing meals. Allowing others to support you can ease your burdens.
Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks
Feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities can be paralysing. Create a daily to-do list and tackle tasks one at a time to promote good stress management.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries are meant to protect you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Set boundaries to safeguard your time for self-care before caring for someone else. Practice saying “yes” when someone offers assistance and “no” when you reach your limits.
Find a Community
No man is an island. Support groups and community care can help you connect with others who understand your situation and provide comfort during breaks from caregiving.
Celebrate Small Victories
If you feel discouraged, remind yourself that your efforts matter. Treating yourself to a massage or a nice meal as a reward can motivate you to continue caring for your loved one.
Remember, you don’t need to cure your loved one’s illness to make a difference. Small actions that make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved are already significant. Taking these steps ensures you receive the necessary treatment to manage caregiver burnout and continue caring for your loved ones effectively.
Beacon Support Cares For You
Looking after someone you love can be tough. You can count on us to be there for you and your family.
At Beacon Support, we completely understand the challenges of caregiving. We know how demanding it can be. We offer comprehensive information and services to help you navigate the challenges of caregiving and provide the best possible care for your loved one.
Whether you need a listening ear, some pointers or a helping hand, we’re here for you. Our goal is to make sure you and your loved one are both well looked after.
We specialise in different care services, including CF homecare, vision impairment support, and MND palliative care.
So don’t hesitate to reach out – call us and we can lighten your load.
