What are the signs of caregiver burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can occur when you spend time and energy managing the health and safety of another person. Caregivers who experience burnout may feel tired, stressed, withdrawn, anxious, and depressed. Caregiver burnout can affect a person in a number of ways, including physically, psychologically, economically and socially. When providing Home Care in Edmonton Canada and have stopped being a caregiver and have become fatigued as a caregiver, you are likely to find yourself in a state of exhaustion or on the verge of becoming one. Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged and overwhelming stress of caregiving.

However, between 40 and 70 percent of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, and approximately one-quarter to one-half of these caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression. Either of these two signs of caregiver burnout may indicate that you have moved from the first stage (caregiver stress) to the second stage (total exhaustion). Caregiver resources: support for caregivers of adults, children, people with disabilities and mental disorders, veterans and more. Another difference between caregiver fatigue or exhaustion and compassion fatigue is that the final stage of burnout often causes caregivers to experience a weakening of their sense of empathy for their caregivers.

A caregiver can end up so overwhelmed caring for another person that they neglect their own physical, mental and emotional well-being. It won't be long before you feel like you're exhausted. Assuming all the responsibilities of providing care without regular breaks or assistance is a sure-fire recipe for caregiver burnout. According to the National Alliance for Care and AARP, family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care.

Seek out friends, family and respite care providers to be involved in providing care so you can spend time away from home.