Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental
exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude -- from positive and
caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don't get
the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able -- either
physically or financially. Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time
on themselves rather than on their ill or elderly loved ones. Caregivers who are
"burned out" may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression.
What is the difference between caregiver burnout and depression?
If burnout manifests as depression, the caregiver might want to
turn to escapist behaviors such as sex, drinking, drugs, or compulsive
behaviors. Depression also might be occurring if the caregiver wants to sleep
all of the time or if he or she is "too tired" to socialize or engage in
activities that were previously enjoyed.
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, family, and other loved ones
- 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
- Irritability
What causes caregiver burnout?
Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to
neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The demands on a
caregiver's body, mind, and emotions can easily seem overwhelming, leading to
fatigue and hopelessness -- and, ultimately, burnout. Other factors that can
lead to caregiver burnout include:
- Role confusion -- Many people are confused when thrust into the role
of caregiver. It can be difficult for a person to separate her role as
caregiver from her role as spouse, lover, child, friend, etc.
- Unrealistic expectations -- Many caregivers expect their involvement
to have a positive effect on the health and happiness of the patient. This
may be unrealistic for patients suffering from a progressive disease, such
as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
- Lack of control -- Many caregivers become frustrated by a lack of
money, resources, and skills to effectively plan, manage, and organize their
loved one's care.
- Unreasonable demands -- Some caregivers place unreasonable burdens
upon themselves, in part because they see providing care as their exclusive
responsibility. Some family members such as siblings, adult children, or the
patient himself/herself may place unreasonable demands on the caregiver.
These individuals also may disregard their own responsibilities and place
burdens on the person identified as primary caregiver.
- Other factors -- Many caregivers cannot recognize when they are
suffering burnout and eventually get to the point where they cannot function
effectively. They may even become sick themselves.