What Is Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout is caused by long-term stress that can affect your physical, emotional and mental well-being. You become overwhelmed trying to meet the constant demands of your caregiving role. It can have a negative effect on how you care for yourself and your loved one.
Many caregivers don't take time to care for themselves and begin showing signs of caregiver burnout.
Your health and well-being benefit your loved one just as they benefit you. Learn the signs of caregiver burnout and seek help if you have them.
What are the signs of caregiver burnout?
As a caregiver, you're under a lot of stress. Long-term stress can lead to health problems. Watch out for signs of burnout, including:
- Denial about your loved one's condition
- Anger or frustration toward the person you're caring for
- Social withdrawal from friends and activities you enjoy
- Anxiety about caregiving responsibilities
- Depression and anxiety
- Exhaustion and lack of energy to do things
- Losing control physically or emotionally
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unhealthy behaviors such as drinking or smoking too much
If you're experiencing any of these warning signs, take steps to get your life back into balance.
How can I avoid burnout?
Take it one day at a time. You can take steps to avoid caregiver burnout by:
- Learning more about your loved one's condition and how to manage it
- Discussing your feelings with a friend or joining a support group for caregivers
- Finding the caregiving resources available in your community
- Asking for and accepting help from others
- Using day care or respite care so you can take time for yourself
- Using relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises
- Taking care of yourself by eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest
- Talking to a counselor or therapist, if needed
What can I do about depression?
Caregiver burnout can lead to depression. Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed. You can also:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about signs of depression, anxiety or stress
- Join a caregiver support group or seek professional counseling
- Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing
- Ask for emotional support from family and friends
- If you or a loved one have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Be sure to take care of yourself.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
- Talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional
- Call 1-800-AHA-USA-1 (1-800-242-8721) or visit heart.org
- Sign up for Heart Insight®, a free magazine for heart patients, at HeartInsight.com
- Connect with others at heart.org/support-network
Do you have questions for your doctor or nurse?
Keep a list of the questions you want to ask at your next appointment and bring this fact sheet with you.
MY QUESTIONS:
©2024, American Heart Association, Inc., which is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All rights reserved.
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