Being the primary carer for a loved one can be an emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting task and also one of life's great privileges. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of carer stress and carer burnout so that we can avoid this and know when to ask for help.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
Carer stress - anxiety, depression, irritability, feeling tired, poor sleep, health issues, difficulty concentrating, increased resentment, neglecting personal responsibilities, eating/drinking/smoking more
Carer burnout - less energy, regularly ill, constantly exhausted (even after rest), neglecting own needs, life revolves around caregiving, trouble relaxing, increasing impatience & irritability, feeling hopeless
HOW TO AVOID:
Maintain personal relationships - stay connected with your own friendships & hobbies
Share your feelings - talk about what you're experiencing in your caring role
Pamper yourself - buy fresh flowers, take a hot bath, get a haircut
Exercise - even short periods of movement help alleviate stress
Relaxation techniques - meditation, yoga, journaling, breathing exercises etc
Sleep - listen to your body and aim for 8 hours sleep/night
ASK FOR HELP:
Don't try do it alone - build your army of supports inc. friends, family and government funded services
Respite care - book yourself a break and even better, do it regularly
Spread the responsibility - divide caregiving tasks with others
Regular check-ins - set up a regular catch up with someone to debrief
Say 'yes' - accept when someone offers help, handover little pieces of care
For more information and to access help/learn more, head to:
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