Caring for another human for a living is more than just physical labor. It also involves a lot of emotional labor. As Val Saintsbury popularly said, “Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.”
Without even realizing it, the daily tasks of being responsible for another person’s comfort and health can take their toll over time. Usually, this results in caregiver burnout, a subject overlooked often.
If you’re a caregiver feeling stressed and overworked, know you’re not alone. Figures show that caregiving impacts the mental and physical health of caregivers, with a steady decline in health by 14% to 20% within years one to five of providing care.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to deal with this rising issue of caregiver burnout using six effective coping tactics.
But first…
What Exactly Is Caregiver Burnout?
When you devote your time and energy to overseeing the well-being and security of another person, you may experience caregiver burnout, which is a condition of physical, emotional, and mental depletion.
Burnout in caregivers can cause fatigue, stress, withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. Caregivers can experience burnout in several ways, including physical, psychological, and social.
In other words, burnout is similar to a candle that has run out of wick; it lacks what it requires to continue providing light. It might happen if you give every minute of your time and effort to assisting someone else and don’t receive the support you need.
However, enough is said about the causes and types; below are some steps to overcome them.
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Always Make Quality Time
The first step is to pause and assess the situation. Take a seat, relax in the tub, stroll outside, or do anything else that makes you feel comfortable, and examine the situation closely. You’re not superhuman; that much is true. It is also true that you are a compassionate and loving person with both multiple virtues and shortcomings.
You need to give yourself a break now. It is risky to keep pushing, not only for you but also for those close to you. You should take a step back now. Make time for yourself whenever you sense the first signs of despair. Remember, it does not need to be long.
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Seek Help
Consider joining a caregiver support group. If you don’t have much time, join an online support group or forum designed to help caregivers cope with everyday challenges. Find a community for caregivers dealing with the specific illness your loved one has, which might be Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
Also, every household’s caregiver’s care plan must include regular respite time. Respite care enables you to enjoy some time off from caregiving while still meeting your loved one’s demands.
Get the necessary vaccinations and schedule regular health checkups. Inform your healthcare practitioner that you are a caregiver. Discuss any problems or symptoms you may be experiencing.
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Effective Communication
With all of your obligations, make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family. These folks provide social connection and assistance and should also be part of your care team. Don’t be afraid to seek and accept support from family, friends, and other sources. You may miss out if you don’t attempt, even if they are unable or unwilling to assist.
However, effective communication requires proper planning. So prioritize tasks, create lists, and develop a routine. Divide more complex jobs into smaller, simpler tasks that you can complete one at a time.
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Manage Expectations
It may be tough at first, but practice saying “no” to requests and commitments that are taxing and stressful, like organizing holiday feasts. Your time, money, energy, and sanity are also essential. Instead of constantly evolving to satisfy the expectations of others, prioritize your own needs.
Learn how to distinguish between what you can and cannot control. Even if you have no control over the actions of others, you do have power over how you respond to them.
So, avoid focusing on stuff you can’t change, including your loved one’s age or health problems. Instead, consider how you might help them gain more freedom while still making them more at ease and happy.
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Stay Optimistic
You can create new and positive emotions with your thoughts. To do this, follow these three steps. This is where your journal can come in handy.
- Examine your feelings, whether they be anger, sadness, frustration, or anything else.
- What or who is really to blame for this emotion?
- Which narrative are you telling yourself?
- Spend some time writing down the things you are telling yourself as you “listen” to yourself.
Identifying something as “terrible” or “horrible” will almost surely result in sentiments of despair, irritation, and/or rage. Truthfully analyze whether your statements are true.
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Contact Adult Care Services
Again, seek assistance when necessary. Use nearby caregiver resources in addition to contacting family and friends.
To begin with, explore local services by visiting the national Eldercare Locator or contacting your area’s Area Agency on Aging.
Final Words
So don’t wait till you get to the edge of caregiver burnout. As the popular saying in the health sector goes, prevention is better than cure. Take the necessary steps today to reduce stress and halt caregiver burnout in its tracks. And it starts with these simple, yet effective coping mechanisms described above. Lastly, never hesitate to ask for help!
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