Dealing with Caregiver Stress

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Dealing with Caregiver Stress

As a family caregiver, you can find the time rewarding, but beware if the demands lead to caregiver stress. You might decide to take care of elderly parents rather than have them living in a nursing home or you might find that financial circumstances dictate these circumstances. Caregiver stress can be an unwanted result of the challenges that you face on a daily basis. In our current society, family caregivers are becoming increasingly common. The many 24/7 physical and emotional demands of caring for an older family member can produce negative consequences.

Examples of Caregiver Stress

The symptoms of stress can be subtle and difficult to detect. When dealing with continuous stressful caretaking situations, you can become accustomed to the physical and emotional strains and ignore warning signs that indicate the potential serious trouble looming ahead. The following symptoms are common emotions that can lead to increased levels of caregiver stress. For instance, you may feel:

• Angry. Feeling anger can be a normal response to the many frustrations of caregiving. It can be difficult to work continually with someone who has dementia and can not express their appreciation for your efforts and whose health can not improve.

• Guilty. Sometimes you may feel guilty because, in your mind, you think that somehow you should be able to do more or provide better care, even though you have many other responsibilities. You may feel guilty because you have the necessity of asking for outside help who may appear as "strangers" to your loved one.

• Loneliness. Unfortunately isolation can be one of the consequences of spending so much time as a caregiver. You find yourself spending all of your time taking care of someone and have little time for your own social enrichment.

• Embarrassment. Although you love the person for whom you are caretaking, it can seem embarrassing when behavioral changes occur due to declining health. In your mind, the world is judging you and your loved one for the behavior.

• Exhaustion. The constant caretaking takes all of you physical and mental energy and leaves you exhausted by the time you are ready for bed.

• Health Problems. Many times caregivers focus solely on the health of the loved one. Do not neglect your own health and take note of any changes that may occur. Headaches, body aches, or other physical problems should be addressed.

• Anxiety. Watch yourself to notice if you start feeling constantly worried. You may be assuming great amounts of responsibility by trying to keep schedules and tasks completed that you start to feel as if something is going to go wrong at any minute.

• Depression. Depression is common with caregiver stress. . The illness is very treatable but the constant sadness, or significant changes in eating patterns and weight, changing sleep patterns and possible abuse of alcohol or drugs can be indications of depression. Left untreated the conditions become worse.

Three quarters of the people experiencing caregiver stress are women. Caregiver stress can be caused by emotional concerns, physical tolls on the body, and financial worries. Make arrangements to consult with a social worker, counselor, or other mental health agency immediately if you believe that your stress might cause you to hurt the person for whom you are caring.

Ways to Reduce Caregiver Stress

Caregiver stress is potentially dangerous for your health because over time it can cause serious health issues. Even though it may be difficult, consider ways you can reduce the stress as much as possible. Consult your local health care providers for possible classes on caregiving techniques. Also, research your loved one's disease on the internet and consult the local Agency on Aging.

• Allow others to help. There may be local caregiving resources or you may have a neighbor who offers to take care of your family member on occasions.

• Stay connected with family, friends and local caregiver support groups. Arrange social time for your own enrichment, learning and rejuvenation.

• Watch your own health by eating healthy, getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep.

• Make an appointment with your physician for your annual checkup. Let them know that some of your health symptoms such as depression and fatigue may be caused by your caregiving responsibility.

• Keep your sense of humor.

If you are employed outside the home and feel you need a break to handle the caregiver responsibilities, take advantage of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. You may be eligible for taking 4- 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually to care for relatives. Ask your company's human resources department about unpaid leave options that are available to you.

Caregiver stress is a real challenge for many of our population who are now caring for older family members and friends. If you are a caregiver, please watch your own health and well being. Be aware that depression, anxiety, guilt and anger are all side effects that can develop over time as you handle the challenges of taking care of your loved ones.

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