HOW TO DEAL WITH CARER STRESS AND BURNOUT

by My Support Champion

According to recent research, it has been identified that a considerable percentage of caregivers end up with carer stress and burnout. This is a major situation, which should not be ignored. That’s why we have compiled this article where we share tips on how to deal with carer stress and burnout in an effective manner.

What exactly is carer stress and burnout?

While offering services to a client, a carer will have to go through numerous mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting situations. These situations can make that person feel overwhelmed. Along with that, most times they will feel unappreciated, unsupported, and alone. That's where caregiver stress and burnout kicks in.

Carer stress and burnout is not uncommon, in fact all carers will experience it at some point. In such a situation, it is important to address the issue accordingly. Otherwise, the carer will not be able to offer professional services to the vulnerable person who is in need.

There are a few signs and symptoms, which can easily indicate that a carer is experiencing stress and burnout. The prominent signs and symptoms are:

  • Exhaustion
  • Depression
  • Avoiding people
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of energy
  • Irritability
  • Feeling of lack of control over life
  • Failure to prioritize own health and wellbeing.

How to deal with carer stress and burnout?

If you are a carer who experiences the above-mentioned signs, you should understand that you are not alone and need to reach out for support or help. On your journey to recovery back to your normal self, here are some useful tips that you can follow in order to deal with carer stress and burnout quickly and effectively.

  • Ask for support.

You need to keep in mind that you don’t really have to do everything on your own. It is perfectly fine for you to ask for support from family members and friends.  Alternatively organizations such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline Australia offer free help and support to all Australians wherever they live or whatever their age.

You don’t have to feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for support from others, because caregiver burnout is a symptom that all caregivers will experience, unless thoroughly handled. Hence, you must think about it as something ordinary and request for support in a timely manner before it gets worse. While asking for support from a friend, family member, or even a support group, you should talk about what you are going through. This way you will be able to receive much-needed assistance in the right aspect. Trying to handle everything by yourself and bottling up emotions could lead to serious health risks including depression.

  • Always be honest with yourself.

It is important for you to remain honest with yourself by understanding the things that you can do and those that you cannot do. It is compulsory to only stick to those tasks that you have the skills and expertise for. When you feel that a task assigned to you is too stressful or out of your scope of practice, you should learn how to say NO.

  • Take regular breaks

As a caregiver, you will have to provide continuous support. However, it is also important to be mindful of the situations where you are overwhelmed with work and unable to take a break as this can easily trigger burnout. It is important to have breaks in between your shift to refresh and relax your feet. Ideally there should be 15minutes break in every 4 hours shift. This will help to relieve the stress, restore lost energy and regain the power that is needed to provide an efficient job.

  • Seek advice from other caregivers

It is recommended to seek the advice and expertise of caregivers that have been in the profession for a long time. They would have / are experiencing carer stress or burnout and will have some tips and techniques on how to overcome them.

Take home message,

Carer stress or burnout is real, however you are not alone. Do not leave it till the last minute. As soon as you start feeling a change in your health and well-being, talk to friends or family members and share your feelings.

The health and well-being of our caregivers and support workers at My Support Champion is our top priority as they are the backbone of our organization. As a caregiver, you are free to reach out to us at anytime to share or express what you are going through and we would always work with you in the best way possible.