Caregiver burnout: Taking care of ourselves during another’s time of need

We all have demands of our time.  Work, parenthood, friendships, pets - all need our attention and care with the reward of feeling a sense of contribution and connection. It feels good to ‘to be there’ for those that we care about and to support them when they need us. We do this sometimes out of a sense of obligation but mostly because we care about the health and wellbeing of our loved ones. However, there are times when the needs of our loved ones can be far reaching like when caring for an elderly parent or relative who require more support in their day to day lives.  While we want nothing more than to be able to provide and care for them during these times it often comes at a cost - to our emotional, mental, and sometimes physical health. As the needs of those we care for increase, their dependency on us also increases resulting in less time for ourselves as we struggle to manage increasing demands. While it may initially feel manageable, since our desire to care for them is strong, over time the constant work, pressure, and loss of our personal time can take its toll - leaving us feeling depleted, exhausted, and resentful.

What is burnout?

Burnout is defined as the feeling of general exhaustion, loss of interest and motivation. It affects us in all areas of our lives including work, personal hobbies, and relationships. 

Signs and symptoms of burnout:

Emotional and Physical Costs: While caregivers may feel fulfilled by helping others, the increased dependency of those they care for can lead to neglect of their own needs, resulting in stress and burnout.

Signs of Burnout: Common symptoms include feelings of exhaustion, a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and decreased motivation. This can impact personal relationships and professional responsibilities.

The need for self-care: 

It is crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being to maintain the ability to care for others. This includes setting boundaries, seeking support, and ensuring time for personal interests and rest. People sometimes think that it is “selfish” to think about themselves when caring for others. To help people understand the importance of self-care the airplane rule can be a useful tip; when travelling with children, should a drop in cabin air pressure occur and the air masks drop, always remember to place the mask on yourself first and then tend to children. In other words you need to ensure your safety and wellbeing in order to be able to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. 

If you believe you are struggling with caregiver burnout and stress contact D Cimetta Psychotherapy at 289-204-7700 for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if counselling or therapy might be helpful for you.