Caregiver burnout is a serious threat that can be avoided.
Caregivers often experience burnout when they have responsibility of taking care of someone who has a debilitating illness or condition and is experiences physical or emotional problems as a result.
A number people take care of a loved one at home in addition to a career or school. Caregiver burnout is often revealed in the form of insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion. And while taking care of a loved is an important job, taking care of oneself cannot be overlooked.
(Related: Governor Rick Snyder campaigns for a “Healthy Michigan”)
There a number of things to consider doing to avoid emotional and physical burnout.
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By setting aside time for yourself, you will be able to better take care of those around you.
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Taking good care of oneself can mean doing things like practicing meditation once in a while or getting regular physical exercise.
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Both of those things can relieve the stress and frustration that people who take care of others sometimes experience.
(Related: Pending Benefits Legislation, Part 1)
Below are some of the most common signs of caregiver burnout so you will be able to identify them and help yourself immediately.
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Feelings of depression, loneliness, or hopelessness are fairly common with people who devote themselves entirely to taking care of a family member or someone who is close to them. Oftentimes therapy can be of help, because you will have an outlet for your emotions. Talking to another person about what you are feeling will help.
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When someone begins to withdraw from friends and society in general, this can be a sign that energy is depleted. Spending so much time taking care of someone else can drain you and make you lose enthusiasm. This can also lead to a decrease in regular activities that you once enjoyed. Even increased thoughts about death are common among people who start to get discouraged taking care of someone else.
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Guilt can be part of this problem. Thinking that you don’t have the right to be frustrated or stressed may be the reason why you smile even when overwhelmed. It also causes one to become extremely irritable and react irrationally to small things.
(Related: Pending Benefits Legislation, Part 2)
Accumulation of this stressful burden can result in a number of emotional and physical problems which can pose a major threat. It is imperative to maintain a healthy diet and keep your daily priorities in order to remain physically and emotionally healthy. Lastly, a strong support system can go a long way helping you avoid caregiver burnout.
Christopher J. Berry is an elder law lawyer in Michigan Dedicated to helping seniors, veterans and their families navigate the long-term care maze. To learn more visit http://www.michiganelderlawattorney.com/ or call 248.481.4000
