The Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress

As any caregiver can tell you, taking care of a loved one with dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, or any medical condition your parent or loved one may be experiencing can be extremely difficult. In addition to daily caregiving duties, many caregivers are also juggling the demands of family, home, career whilst attempting to do some form a self-care practice through yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. It’s no wonder caregivers get stressed and burned out easily.

It is critical for carers to monitor their own physical and mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, “You may be so focused on your loved one that you don’t realize that your own health and well-being are suffering. Therefore, it is very important to monitor yourself for a variety of factors that can spell trouble for your own well-being.” These negative factors can include:

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling tired most of the time
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Gaining or losing a lot of weight
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feelings of sadness
• Frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Relax Physically and Emotionally

It’s imperative as a family caregiver to look after their own health, through exercise, eating well and managing stress  learning to manage stress through deep breathing, talking to loved ones about your stress, and releasing endorphins through daily exercise can be really helpful.

Whilst avoiding stress completely as a carer is most likely impossible, it is important to be aware of your stress levels and aim to reduce them. Your body’s response to stress may be a headache, back strain, or stomach pains. Stress can also zap your energy, wreak havoc on your sleep and make you feel cranky, forgetful and out of control. A stressful situation typically sets off a chain of events. Your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise.

Stress, when experienced over an extended period of time, can lead to caregiver burnout, which can result in depression, sleeplessness, hypertension and serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, taking care of number one isn’t just important, it’s imperative for better health. Your life is every bit as important as your loved ones.

Reduce Caregiver Stress for Better Health

If you find that you, as a caregiver, are feeling more stressed than normal it’s important to take time for yourself, relax and do something that brings you joy, even if that’s simply taking a half hour power nap! So, how do you unwind and relax, slow down or lighten up? Here are a few ideas to help you:

• Talk to a loved one about your stress
• Read a book or magazine
• Watch your favorite movie or television show
• Take a leisurely walk
• Do Yoga or Tai Chi
• Practice Mindfulness / Meditation
• Get a massage
• Get a manicure and/or pedicure
• Take a bubble bath
• Order Take Out
• Take a nap
• Buy yourself a gift
• Eat your favorite treat
• Listen to soothing music
• Put your feet up

Stress has a way of taking over our lives as caregivers and it can be rather difficult to control once it has taken over. Recognizing your personal stressors and what triggers them is an essential first step in managing and minimizing stress.