Caring for others is an act of love and compassion – but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Caregivers experience high rates of anxiety and depression and often have a hard time attending to their own health.
Caregiver fatigue (also called caregiver burnout) is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion that can occur when providing ongoing care to another person – often without sufficient support or rest. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed, frustrated or hopeless, and experience guilt or shame for these feelings.
Those most at risk are caregivers of elderly adults with dementia; spouses or adult children who are the sole or primary caregiver; and parents of children with chronic health conditions or disabilities.
“Caregivers without formal training or those juggling multiple responsibilities, such as work and family, are especially vulnerable,” said Chelsea Mendonca, MD, unit chief of Adult Inpatient Psychiatry at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and a geriatric psychiatrist affiliated with Northeast Medical Group and Yale Medicine.
Mothers caring for young children while managing careers and household responsibilities may also struggle with burnout. While similar to caregiver fatigue, their experience is more often referred to as “depleted mother syndrome,” according to Dr. Mendonca.
Some adults may be simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents as part of the “sandwich generation” – which can add significant stress and challenges.
How do you know if you have caregiver fatigue? Symptoms may include:
- Persistent exhaustion, even after rest
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite changes
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feelings of isolation, anger or resentment
- Neglecting your own health or responsibilities
Chronic, untreated burnout may lead to physical or mental health problems for the caregiver, including hypertension, a weakened immune system, depression and anxiety. It also increases the risk of caregiver errors, breakdowns in family dynamics, social withdrawal or unintentional abuse of your loved ones due to stress and frustration, said Dr. Mendonca.
“Seek help when these symptoms begin interfering with your daily life, your relationships, or your ability to provide care safely and compassionately,” she said.
To avoid burning out, Dr. Mendonca recommends caregivers:
- Set realistic expectations.
- Request help from friends and family members.
- Schedule regular breaks and prioritize self-care (i.e. adequate sleep, healthy meals, exercise and time for hobbies).
- Find resources, including virtual support groups offered by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Family Caregiver Alliance, or National Alliance for Caregiving; or in-person support groups offered through local hospitals, community centers or religious institutions.
- Use professional services. Adult day programs and home health aides or companions can provide a much-needed temporary respite for caregivers.
- If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
“Making sure that you are healthy helps you be a better caregiver,” Dr. Mendonca said. “The best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.”
