Are you experiencing Care-Giver Burn Out?

Are you a care-giver?

Who cares for you, the caregiver?

What emotional turmoil do you go through on a daily basis being the caregiver?

If we are caring for someone who has disabilities, or illness, we often think that we have no right to complain about anything, that they have it far worse than us.  We tend to ignore or disregard our own emotions and stresses.

I have been in the position of being the caregiver, and it is not an easy road to travel.

We feel selfish if we feel like we need a break. We may feel like an awful person for feeling angry, sad, disappointed, fearful or resentful. We may even be riddled with guilt for having these feelings, at all.

The person that is being cared for can be having their own emotional ups and downs and sometimes, taking their frustrations out on the caregiver, or making unnecessary demands. 

As caregivers we may be angry in regards to everything that is beyond our control; like the moods and behaviors of those we are caring for, the illnesses or sickness that may have come on unexpectedly, that we have no control over, the medical system and insurance system.

There may be a sense of confusion as the roles get blurred, are we still the spouse, the lover. the child, the friend, or just the caregiver?

We may expect ourselves as the caregiving to make a difference in the health and happiness of the patient, however that doesn’t always happen. We then may feel like we aren’t doing enough, or feel guilty. We can only do our best, we are not responsible for the happiness of others.

You may be experiencing caregiver burnout if;

• You have lost interest in things that you had enjoyed previously.  

• You are losing touch with family and friends.

• You are feeling sad, angry, hopeless and helpless.

• Your eating habits have changed and you have gained or lost weight.

• You are having trouble with sleep. 

• You are getting sick more often. 

• You are struggling to function normally.

• You are feeling shame or guilt for asking for or wanting to ask for help. 

I think caregivers are saints, and they need to be supported emotionally and physically.

Breaks are necessary. Understanding and addressing their own emotional ups and downs is also crucial to their well-being. They cannot pour from an empty vessel. It is so important to fill their own cups and take care of their mental and physical well being. If these very basic needs of physical and mental support are ignored the caregivers may experience burn out. The care-givers may become angry and resentful with the people that they are caring for, and with life in general, and that will not benefit anyone involved. 

I am here to listen and to help with the emotional turmoil, that you may be feeling. 

You deserve to be taken care of too. Allow me to guide you to relieving some of the stress that you may be feeling.

**I cannot change what is happening, however I can help ease the emotional stress and perhaps provide new perspectives so that you may be able to see other options, for moving forward with your life.