Stress, by definition, is the body’s natural reaction to things in life that cause us both physical and mental tension. A caregiver’s time and energy is spent on so many tasks within one day that mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion happens frequently. When falling into a daily routine, the most important part of being someone’s caregiver is forgotten—to take good care of oneself first before being able to take care of someone else.
Caregivers experience stress in many different ways when providing care for loved ones. It is important to be able to identity stressors and know how to manage them so they don’t negatively impact the one being cared for. Some factors that contribute to caregiver stress are managing behavioral and cognitive changes of the person being cared for, coordinating their care, helping manage daily routines, and finding resources or other support when this role becomes overwhelming.
Symptoms of caregiver stress
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety, depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- New/worsening health problems
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Drinking, smoking, or eating more
Tips for managing stress
There are many different ways to manage one’s stress throughout the day and may vary from person to person. When compiling your own list of strategies, be sure to try different things and adjust to what works well for you!
- Prioritize self-care
- Take a break from caring for others and do something to care for yourself.
- Exercise, eat healthy foods, and take a break as needed.
- Meditate or spend time away from others
- Have a quiet, calm place to sit and process your thoughts and emotions.
- This can be important, especially after a day of talking to your loved one’s nurses and doctors or visiting your loved one in busy environments.
- Talk about your experiences and feelings
- Be sure to talk to friends, family, or mental health professionals about the challenges you are facing.
- Join support groups in your area to share and learn from others going through similar things.
Being a caregiver for a loved one is not easy, and every day is different. You want what’s best for them and stress about the decisions being made, often neglecting your own care needs. Take a moment to breathe and remember to put your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else with theirs.
SOURCE
https://www.helpguide.org/family/caregiving/caregiver-stress-and-burnout
