Research suggests that family members provide 80% of long term care. Many caregivers have their own families to look after and may also be holding down at least one other job.
Caregiver burnout is common and typically defined as a state of mental, physical exhaustion. Those who reach this burnout stage often experience guilt and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout can Include:
- Changes in appetite, weight or both
- A feeling of irritability and helplessness
- Loss of interest in regular hobbies and activities
- Difficulties and changes in sleep
- Extreme feelings of fatigue
- Compromised physical health and immune system
- Excessive use of alcohol or other substances
Causes of Caregiver Burnout
Caregivers needs become easily lost. Mental, emotional, physical, spiritual health and well-being often get overlooked. Caregivers face enormous challenges and emotions each day, and often without help from anyone else. Often caregivers will push their feelings down so that they may remain focused on caring for their loved one.
Counselling: a Lifeline for Caregivers
Struggling on your own won’t help you and therefore your loved one. You must get the help you need and deserve.
Talking to someone who will listen compassionately and give you coping tools can take a considerable burden off your shoulders. But perhaps more importantly, a therapist will validate what you are experiencing.
They will highlight your needs and your humanity. Hearing this from an emotionally removed third party can often help you get more clarity.
If you are a caregiver and struggling to find time for yourself, please reach out. I offer a free initial consultation where we can talk more about your current situation. I am seeing my clients online and in my office in Hove.
