If you are caring for someone who is unable to take care of themselves due to illness, injury, or disability, it can be a very stressful job. It can be very overwhelming, and more often than not, there is no one around to assist you with all of the things that need doing. Not only are you on call all day every day, but you also have to go through the grief and other emotions that are associated with your loved one not being able to care for themselves. Unfortunately, it does not take long to develop caregiver stress, but if you don't address it, you may need someone to take care of you.
What Is Caregiver Stress?
Caregiver stress, which is also known as caregiver syndrome, caregiver burnout, or caregiver fatigue, is a wide range of emotions that result from the continuous care of a chronically ill dependent. Some of the emotions experienced may include anger, rage, fatigue, depression, and more. The condition is especially acute when the patient that is being cared for suffers from mental health or behavioral problems. Some of these may include:
- Dementia
- Insomnia
- Aggression
- Wandering and more
How Does It Affect You?
The condition is manifest by a wide variety of physical and emotional symptoms that vary from person to person, but one of the most common one is depression and heightened anxiety. But you are not alone. It is estimated that approximately 70% of caregivers suffer from anxiety at some point or another.
When you suffer from caregiver stress, you can go from being angry one moment to feeling sad and helpless during the next. Because you fill helpless and overwhelmed, you may find yourself snapping at everyone, including the person that your are providing care for. High levels of stress can take a toll on your immune system. You may find yourself catching every little bug that comes along. If the increased stress continues for long periods of time, you run the risk of experiencing high blood pressure, digestive problems, and heart disease.
What Can You Do About It?
One of the best ways to eliminate or reduce caregiver stress is to take time off to take care of yourself. While this may be difficult to do if you do not have family members to step in, it could possibly be easier than you think. Find a good home health care agency, they will come in and provide home care services of which respite, or giving you time off is one of them. Taking advantage of their services can allow you time for relaxation and renewal. This will benefit both you and your patient.
