Excerpt from: Caregiving and Coping
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| August 10, 2005 | | Caregiving is an act of compassion and love that can burn you out. | Caregiving is a stressful responsibility that can lead to a list of medical problems: high blood pressure, upset stomach, migraine headaches, bowel problems and chronic pain. Let’s not forget to mention depression, anger, guilt, and sleep problems. Whew! All of these problems add stress, which plays a major role in a person's susceptibility to heart disease, stroke, and cancer. You need to take time out and give yourself a break. Find some helpers to help you caregive.
Some signs of caregiver burnout: Do you blame the care-recipient for being in this situation? Have you lost interest in personal activities or friends? Do you feel isolated? Do you snap at the care-recipient constantly, even over small things? Do you frequently yell, scream, or have crying fits or rages of anger? Are you withholding affection from and feelings of goodwill toward the care-recipient? Are you feeling constantly irritable, grumpy, tired or pressured? Do you refuse to go out, even for a walk, because he/she needs me?
You may have caregiver burnout. It might be time for you to find some helpers and maybe even professional psychological help if you have these feelings. You could be saving money not getting help, but you are spending your life. Use some stress reduction techniques, or seek alternative ways to care for loved ones, such as a home health aide or assisted living facility.
Give Ellen's post on "Tuesday's with Edie saved my life," a look. Find a way to smile and love that person you are caregiving. That means love and smiles for you too. Very few people can remain full-time caregivers forever. The job is often too strenuous and stressful. You need help. | | |
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