I spoke with a Breathing Spaces member recently who found themselves in the ER with breathing problems. So many possible causes, from allergies to heart conditions. Turns out, thankfully, that this was an early warning sign of stress and the repercussions.
While caring for a loved one, you process so many things throughout your days, from tasks to emotions that it is easy enough to get caught up without seeing underlying health issues with yourself. We talk about self-care with a delicate sense of understanding from personal experience on how difficult that can be. Your loved one, your family, your job, your home, your laundry, grocery shopping…you can almost feel your heart racing just reading this, can’t you?
Here are signs of burnout/stress to be aware of:
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Fatigue
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy doing
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Feeling resentful
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Trouble concentrating
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Loss of sleep
Whether your loved one is near or far, or how involved you are in the role of caregiving, these are only a few of the things that can creep up without warning signs. Before you know it, they can become overwhelming. Underlying emotions that are bubbling without notice are significant.
Ways to give yourself more balance:
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Accept that you cannot control or change the outcome on everything that is happening
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Be aware of your reactions and find ways to balance them (for your health and the overall emotional balance in your home)
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Often you won’t get the external ‘thank yous’ that you deserve, so journaling is a great way to reflect and release emotions.
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Pamper yourself; take a long bath, get out of the house even for a short time for a walk or coffee with a friend
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Share your feelings by talking with other caregivers. Join us in our Private Facebook Group.
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Keep up with your own doctor’s visits and tell them everything you are experiencing
Please don’t wait until it’s too late.
Hugs,
Cyndi