Am I getting “burned out”? What are the signs, and how do you prevent caregiver burnout?

42. Am I getting “burned out”? What are the
signs, and how do you prevent caregiver burnout?

The chronic stresses of caregiving—being responsible
and providing care for another person while adjusting
your own life according to that person’s needs—can
leave you feeling overburdened, resentful, and depressed.

Unless these stresses are relieved, or you find ways to
replenish your emotional and physical reserves, you as a
caregiver might wind up burned out. Burnout can
include being exhausted, feeling hopeless about the
future, and no longer caring about what happens either
to yourself or your loved one.

Warning signs of burnout include:
• Irritability and a low tolerance for frustration
• Constant exhaustion
• Problems sleeping
• Decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Social isolation
• Recurring feelings of guilt and/or anxiety

If you think you are at risk for burnout, one of the first
things you should do is acknowledge the toll the tasks
of caregiving are exacting from you and to give yourself
permission to look after your own needs. It is essential
that in addition to focusing on the patient’s needs, you
make your own needs a priority as well. Take time out
for yourself, away from the cancer and the hospital.

Ask another family member/caregiver or friend to step
in to help, if needed. If you do not take care of yourself,
you will not be at your best for the patient.

If you are having problems managing your stress levels,
find a professional to talk to or find a family/caregiver
support group in your area. You may choose to talk to
your loved one with cancer or someone else, such as a
good friend, family member, or maybe a family member
of another patient who is going through similar
experiences. You can also meet other family members
at various medical appointment waiting rooms or
other places, such as support groups.

The following suggestions also might help make caregiving
more manageable and prevent burnout.

• Learn to delegate responsibility to others and draw
upon people outside the household for help.
• Recognize your limits and learn to say no to things
you cannot be responsible for.
• Nourish yourself physically by maintaining a proper
diet and exercising.
• Take care of your emotions by accepting and
expressing even your negative feelings.
• If you are religious or spiritual, remember to replenish
yourself spiritually to find strength through your
connection with nature, religion, or some other
faith-based system of meaning.