Caregiver Burnout

 


Like most caregivers, I am Burned.Out.

How many of you moms out there "get it"? 

Having kids with chronic health conditions can cause a lot of sleepless nights, doctors visits, ER visits, hospital stays, and stress. 

Things were a LOT worse when my kids were little. They were in the hospital 12 times (2 ICU's). We were on a first name basis with Asthma Doc and his staff. 

But, just because my kids are adults doesn't mean they stopped having problems with their asthma. Sometimes, I have had one of my adult kids call and ask me to drive them to the ER because their asthma is flaring up, and they're too sick to drive. 

Are you burned out?

Isn't this  normal? Aren't most caregivers stressed out all the time? 

Well, Mayo Clinic says you are burned out if:

  • You feel overwhelmed/constantly worried
  • You are often tired
  • You get too much/too little sleep
  • You gain/lose weight
  • You are easily irritated or angry
  • Lose interest in things you enjoy
  • Feel sad
  • Have lots of headaches, body pain, or other physical problems
  • Drink a little too much alcohol, or taking too many drugs (this includes prescription meds)

What can you do about burnout?

Did you know that Mother Teresa made it MANDATORY that her nurses take one full year off for each 4-5 years that they worked? She felt they needed that much time to rest and recover. 

That's not an option for most of us, but what can you do? The American Institute of Stress recommends:

  • Find someone to talk to (friends, coworkers, etc)
  • Understand it's normal to feel pain
  • Exercise and eat well 
  • Get enough sleep
  • Take some time off (my work allows for a "mental health day")
  • Develop interests outside of medicine (or your work)
  •  Find out what’s important to you

I have found that yoga helps me. I'm not flexible, and I have terrible balance, but I try it anyway. A friend holds yoga sessions in our local park on Saturdays, and I really look forward to it.

I have also learned to meditate. It doesn't have to be much - for me it can be just a few minutes at work when I stop and take deep breaths. Or I close my eyes and imagine I'm at the beach.

What helps you with burnout? I would love to hear in the comments below! 


Comments

Post a Comment