Caregiver Stress Syndrome & What Is It?
What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome? What are the signs of Caregiver Stress Syndrome? What can you do to help those who have it?
In the United States, there are 40.4 million unpaid caregivers, and 9 in 10 are individuals over the age of 65 caring for a loved one. And “16% of caregivers are emotionally strained, while 26% state that taking care of their loved one is hard on them emotionally. 22% are exhausted when they go to bed at night. This shows what many people experience firsthand: the challenges of providing care for a loved one.”
Caregiver Stress Syndrome is a condition that affects your physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. It typically does result from an individual who neglects their own health because they are focused on providing care to a loved one who can longer due to an illness, injury or disability.
Signs that you or a loved one may have Caregiver Stress Syndrome:
◦ Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
◦ Feeling tired often
◦ Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
◦ Gaining or losing weight
◦ Becoming easily irritated or angry
◦ Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
◦ Feeling sad
◦ Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
◦ Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications
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Some things you can do if you have Caregiver Stress Syndrome:
Accept Help - Make a list of things you could use to help with and let your friends/family select what they can help with.
Focus on what you are able to provide - Remember no one is perfect & it’s normal to feel guilty.
Get Connected & Join a Support Group - Find local resources to help and join a local support group to talk with individuals who are dealing with the same issues you are.
Seek Social Support - Stay connected to your family and friends, and make sure to set time aside to connect with them each week.
Set Personal Health Goals - Set goals to establish a sleep routine, physical exercise and eating healthy well-balanced meals.
See Your Doctor - Make it a point to see your doctor/health care provider for your regular exams/checkups.
Stay tuned for continuing information on Caregiver Stress Syndrome Series.
Sources:
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/be-a-true-friend-to-a-family-caregiver-167934.htm
https://caregiver.com/articles/caregiver-stress-syndrome/
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/18/5-facts-about-family-caregivers/