Symptoms & Causes Of Carer Burnout

Carers or caregivers, as they are also commonly known, are a very relevant and important part of our community helping seniors and those with a disability.

Carers make a big difference in the lives of those whom they help by providing a range of services like companionship, conversation, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, personal care and general assistance that includes; bathing, dressing and grooming plus general assistance.  There are many other duties not mentioned that a carer can undertake.

The job can become very demanding and stressful affecting the mental health of the carer. Family caregivers can experience the same thing while looking after their loved ones.

Signs Of Carer Burnout

1. Emotional exhaustion
2. Physical exhaustion
3. Sleeping patterns have changed
4. Sadness
5. Irritability
6. Withdrawing from family and friends
7. Weight loss and/or changes in appetite
8. Feeling like hurting yourself or the person in your care

If you as a carer are having two or more symptoms you may be experiencing carer burnout.

Primary Causes Of Carer Burnout

Busy caregivers quite often neglect their own physical, emotional and spiritual health placing huge demands on themselves affecting them physically and emotionally. This can lead to the carer feeling overwhelmed & fatigued, with feelings of hopelessness which eventually lead to burnout.

• Those helping seniors may have unrealistic expectations of their patient’s recovery especially in the case of those with a progressive mental illness like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s.
• Role confusion due to emotional attachment can difficult for the carer especially if they see their role as an employee, spouse, friend or child etc.
• Some carers place unreasonable demands on themselves believing that it’s their sole responsibility to provide care for the patient.
• Carers can become really frustrated due to the lack of control, recourses and lack of skills to effectively manage and organise the care of their patient/loved one.
• Personality traits can affect how a carer views the job with a ‘nothing is good enough’ attitude contributing to burnout.
• Lifestyle is another contributing factor to burnout; working too hard, partying too hard or not taking enough rest time.
• Relationships or a lack thereof can contribute to burnout by not having the support or for not asking others for help due to not having the relationships available that enable a network of support either personally or within the industry.

Where to Get Help in Australia

Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may be experiencing carer burnout.

Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.

Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Headspace on 1800 650 890

Sources

Senior Helpers – Family Caregiver Burnout

Mind Your Head – Caregiver Burnout

By Admin.