Caregiver Stress - Common Signs and Management

Caregiver Stress – Common Signs and Management

Coping with caregiver stress is part and parcel of the job of a professional carer.  You are dealing at times with adults with sometimes challenging health problems or behaviours.  Therefore it is important for you to check yourself that you are doing okay and are managing yourself in the situation.

Put simply, this means taking timeout and doing something you enjoy. Here are the signs to look out for.

Common signs of caregiver stress

  • Anxiety, depression, irritability
  • Feeling tired and run down
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Overreacting to minor nuisances
  • New or worsening health problems
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Feeling increasingly resentful
  • Drinking, smoking, or eating more
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Cutting back on leisure activities

If the above situations are ignored and you don’t get some respite, they can lead to bigger problems for carers such as Carer Burnout.  Here are some common signs of burnout:

Symptoms of burnout resulting from caregiver stress

  • You have much less energy than you once had
  • It seems like you catch every cold or flu that’s going around
  • You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break
  • You neglect your own needs, because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore
  • Your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction
  • You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available
  • You’re increasingly impatient & irritable with the person you’re caring for
  • You feel helpless and hopeless

How you avoid these situations is to put YOURSELF back into the picture and take time out.

Carers must care for themselves too

Here are a few tips to help you manage your stress…

  • Take time for yourself minutes 30 mins doing something you enjoy (yoga, mindfulness, reading, gardening, tinkering in your workshop, knitting, playing with the dogs, or watching TV)
  • Be kind to YOU making time to rest, relax, and recharge this isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. (Long Bath, Candles, Fresh Flowers, Aromatherapy, Massage, Manicure whatever you like)
  • Laughter is great medicine. Read a funny book, watch a comedy, or call a friend who makes you laugh. YouTube videos of cute animals like Sloths are hilarious!
  • Exercise and get out & about as much as you can –a great Endorphin Booster & it helps you sleep better too!
  • Share with friends because expressing yourself is very helpful. If you can’t get out get someone over to visit or Facetime! Most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them.
  • Watch your caffeine intake – it could be doing more harm than good
  • Listen to music to relax – or better again have a dance!

Whatever takes your mind away from thoughts of caring, and moves you in the direction of fun and positive energy – try it and see how you go.

We operate an Open Door Policy For Our Carers

  • Speak Up: Seek support at any time – share any issues you might have because not asking for help leads to problems in the long run with stress and health issues
  • Spread the load: Work with your team so everyone share strategies that work so others can use them

If you are a family carer and think it’s time to bring in help – why not bring in a professional carer for Respite Care and see how the help transforms your life.  Contact us today to find out more about how this can be arranged to suit you.

 

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