It’s Friday and I wanted to recap a little about how you are doing taking care of your family. I will be writing more about this on Monday, so check back and make sure to comment and leave your opinions.
As Moms, daughters, sisters and wives we are most often the ones to take care of EVERYONE in our families not just our children. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of everyone else. Like on the airplane when they tell you to put your oxygen mask on first!
There was an article from Genworth Financial and webmd about recognizing caregiver burnout that I think everyone needs to take a look at and be aware!
What Are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?
The symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to the symptoms of stress and depression. They include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless, and helpless
- Changes in appetite, weight, or both
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Getting sick more often
- Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Excessive use of alcohol and/or sleep medications
- Irritability
A very serious question, that I am really looking for suggestions on… is What do YOU do to avoid caregiver burnout? Do you exercise, try and eat better, ask for help? Follow up Monday and see what others suggest.
Lindsay C says
OMG, I will admit… I am having Caregiver burnout. Most of those sypmtoms fit me, except for the ones about hurting oneself and others, alcohol, meds and withdrawal. I could use some advice. I am looking forward to reading on monday.
Only tip I have is to breathe. (not a very good tip) I guess I just try to come up with the conclusion that THIS is how it’s going to be. So I might as well try to live with it the best I can. I also try to realize that their are others far off worse than myself. I only have my husband and our 2 toddlers to take care of. So it’s not like I’m a caregiver of 7 KIDS 🙂
I quit smoking last July, got bronchitis which turned to pnuemonia, so it’s been harder to release my stress.
Now, I can only imagine those with families of 4 or more! Tiff, you must have some good advice on how to run your house and not go crazy!
Janelle says
http://www.thefreedomexperiment.com/2011/10/28/55-gentle-ways-to-take-care-of-yourself-when-youre-busy-busy-busy/
I found this on pinterest! 55 ways to take care of yourself when your stressed and busy! Love this list, such good ideas.
Allyson says
I care for my husband, who has several serious conditions. I do best when we can spend time together doing things that have nothing to do with his health. It creates a balance when I can interact with him as a person and not think about the illness.