Recognizing Caregiver Burnout and Attempting to Heal as We Care

Caregiver burnout isn’t something that happens all at once. We all have good days and bad days, which is normal. Eventually, though, we may find ourselves inching dangerously close to a meltdown over a situation that would have been considered a mild irritation prior to caregiving. The future begins to look bleak and our responsibilities seem endless. That’s when you know you’ve reached a breaking point.

So, how do you spot and extinguish the small fires that, left smoldering, can eventually lead to burnout? What do you do if you feel your nerves are already fried?

The best approach, of course, is to take preventative action before burnout is upon you. But, for this to work, each caregiver must understand their own limits and maintain honest self-awareness throughout their journey.

The Sneaky Side of Caregiver Burnout

Oftentimes, burnout sneaks up on a caregiver. Some people don’t realize the cumulative effects of caregiver burden. One way to track changes in your physical and mental health is to keep a daily log or a diary. How are you feeling on this particular day? And the next? And the next? By making a few notes each day in a journal or in a file on your computer, you’ll become more aware of your own moods, actions and reactions.

Many people go through their daily caregiving routine on autopilot without acknowledging their emotions or questioning why they feel the way they do. If we get to know ourselves better, we will be more likely to catch the thoughts and signs that we’re being drawn into a negative or hopeless mindset and seek help before we’ve gone over the edge.

If you find yourself thinking, doing or saying any of the following things, heed the warning that you are burning out.

Signs You May be a Burned Out Caregiver

1. Unrelenting Fatigue…

Continue reading on Agingcare for thoughts about burnout and healing even as we care:

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“An inspiring read for caregivers! Minding Our Elders is a series of stories about caregiving. But it is much more than that. It’s a book that helps us view aging and community through the lens of someone well versed in eldercare. Author Carol Bradley Bursack has been a caregiver for a neighbor and six elderly members of her family. These experiences made her the perfect person to interview and share the stories of friends and acquaintances. Through crisp writing and a sharp focus, we enter the lives of those struggling to care for loved ones with dementia and other age-related illnesses. As I read Minding Our Elders, I felt myself filling up with both appreciation and admiration for those who adopt the caregiving role. In addition, I was struck with the inherent value Carol sees in our elders. This is a well-written book that will stir your heart!” …Ann C