Are you Superwoman or Super Burned Out

Recognizing Signs of Caregiver Stress

Are you Super Woman?

Or Super Burned Out?

6 Signs of Caregiver Burnout

1. I don’t feel like talking to or seeing anyone today—even my friends and family. If you consistently don’t want to interact with people, especially close family and friends, it could be a sign that caring for your elderly loved one is becoming too draining.
2. I used to enjoy reading novels, but for some reason, I’m just not interested in reading. If your favorite hobbies and pastimes aren’t interesting to you anymore, it may indicate that you need a break from being a caregiver.
3. Sometimes taking care of mom is too much—I feel like I want to end it all. Thoughts of suicide or hurting your elderly loved one are dangerous warning signs of extreme burnout and probable depression. You should immediately seek help from a mental health professional if you find yourself having violent thoughts.
4.  I’ve been eating differently lately. Abnormal eating (or drinking) patterns, might be an indication of extreme stress.
5. My sleep has been unusual lately. If you can’t seem to fall asleep at night, or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, you may be feeling the effects of too much caregiving responsibility.
6. It’s been several weeks and I can’t seem to shake this cold. Stress can wreak havoc with your immune system. Illnesses that last longer than they should are a sign of reduced immune system functioning that could be due to your caregiving duties.

Adopted from column by: Anne-Marie Botek, Agingcare.com