Are you suffering from Caregiver Burnout?

Without thinking too much about your responses, read the following self-assessment test and keep track of how many times you agree with the statements:

• It’s hard for me to find time to do things I like to do. I have given up a lot of  activities I used to enjoy.

• I have trouble sleeping, and I frequently wake up feeling tired and dreading the day ahead.

• I feel like I’ve lost touch with a lot of my friends.

• I have dropped out of clubs, organizations, and social circles because I just can’t find the time to stay involved.

• I have some alarming and/or annoying physical symptoms that I should probably discuss with my doctor.

• There are days when I feel very trapped.

• I know exercise is good for me, but I just don’t have time to go to a gym or a regularly scheduled class.

• I frequently feel angry, frightened, and/or sad.  I suspect I may be a little depressed.

• I hesitate to ask family or friends to help because I don’t want to be a burden.

• I feel guilty because I get impatient or angry, and sometimes I’ve even wished his/her suffering would just end.

• Most days I don’t have the time or energy to take care of myself.

If you agreed with 4 or more statements, it is likely that you are suffering from  caregiver burnout.  It is not unusual for caregivers to sacrifice their own mental, emotional, and physical well-being to take care of a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one.

Be aware that family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age prematurely.  This level of stress experienced over an extended period of time can shorten a caregiver’s life by as much as ten years! *

If you think you might be experiencing caregiver burnout, please take some time for yourself.  Watch the videos on the Video Blog Page of this website and read the attached articles on recognizing and coping with caregiver anger, guilt, depression, and grief.   Get involved in a caregiver support group. Find respite care – even if it’s only for a few hours a week. Download and print the free Caregiver Survival Tips page and tape it to your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.  Read the tips every day and commit to incorporating at least one new activity into your life.

And remember this:

Taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your care receiver.

* Source:  Health and Human Services, Informal Caregiving: Compassion in Action. Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services. Based on data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), 1998 and the National Family Caregivers Association, Random Sample Survey of Family Caregivers, Summer 2000, Unpublished and National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S., 2004