Family caregivers often suffer from an enormous amount of pressure and stress that can endanger their own health and place the person they care for at risk as well. It is quite common for a family member taking care of a loved one to feel anger, anxiety, stress, sadness, exhaustion and guilt. Combine this level of emotion with the typical demands of day-to-day life like grocery shopping, cleaning, working and tending to other familial needs, and most people become completely overwrought with responsibility. Most individuals faced with caring for their loved ones experience heightened stress or anxiety, difficulty sleeping, increased financial worries, depression or hopelessness, and new or worsening health problems.
Getting help is the best step to take in order to ensure your own health as well as the health of your aging loved one.
Common Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
Often before symptoms have developed into more obvious signs there are patterns that can be recognized. It’s important to be on the lookout for the following issues in order to avoid the more serious symptoms listed above. The following are some emotional signs of caregiver stress:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Butterflies
- Irritability
- Road rage
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Substance abuse
- Phobias
- Job dissatisfaction
Experiencing any of these signs on their own or a combination of any or all are important signals that you are suffering from caregiver stress. Seeking help at this point is an important step in avoiding severe depression, health problems and stress. It’s also important to note that it’s often easier to notice the physical signs of stress rather then the emotional signs. Take a moment to consider your relationships with your spouse, children or friends. If these relationships are currently struggling, it may be due to your reaction to increased stress.
Many individuals avoid seeking professional help due to feelings of selfishness or guilt. It’s incredibly important to remember that it is not selfish to focus on your own needs. Tending to your own physical and emotional care is the only way to ultimately be useful to your loved one’s health needs.
Contact Right Choice Caregivers Today
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety from caring for an aging loved one, it may be time to seek professional help. Right Choice Caregivers is here to help you make the most of both your own life as well as your family members life. Fill out the online contact form or call Right Choice Caregivers today at
800-898-0840 to get started on improved health care for your senior.
