9 Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving is a critical role in most families. Still, support is often lacking for various reasons, such as fewer people to help, financial constraints, or the nature of the condition. The stress associated with caring for another human can be overwhelming and can lead to signs of caregiver burnout.

9 Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout can lead to serious physical, emotional, and mental issues. Everything from high blood pressure and heart disease to anxiety and depression can be attributed to caregiver burnout.

Here are several signs of caregiver burnout. If you are experiencing any of these signs or behaviors, reach out to a counselor in Orange County, California today.

Isolating from the World Caregivers overwhelmed with their role may isolate themselves from others; they don’t feel like socializing. They yearn for five minutes to themselves. Fatigue also zaps what energy they do have.

Letting Themselves Go Stressed caregivers may let their own health go. They may skip showering or bathing, grooming, or doing laundry. A woman may stop wearing makeup or fixing their hair. A man may stop shaving. Daily activities such as exercise may be the first to go.

Becoming Irritable or Angry Unregulated emotions can lead to irritability, anger, or mood swings. Sleep deprivation can also make it more difficult to remain patient and kind. Frustration with a lack of help or your loved one’s condition can keep you on edge.

Shrugging Off the Impact of Caregiving on Their Health It might not be that the caregiver is unaware of the negative effects of caregiving on their health; it may be that the caregiver feels they must prioritize their loved one’s health and other responsibilities over their own health. They may adopt an “I’ll get to it when things are easier” attitude.

Developing Depression and Anxiety Caregiving, especially in the caregiver’s home, can contribute to depression and anxiety. Other factors involved with caregiving, such as increased responsibility, isolation, lack of support, and anticipatory grief, can increase the risk of developing a depressive or anxiety disorder.

Unexplainable Aches and Pains The stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol regulate the fight-or-flight response to protect a person from harm. Chronic stress, as seen in caregiver burnout, keeps a constant high level of these hormones, making muscles tense and painful.

Harboring Digestive Issues No one likes talking about digestive issues, but conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, excessive burping, and irritable bowel can be attributed to chronic stress.

Complaining of Headaches Muscle tension and the activation of specific neurons could be behind your headaches. If you experience tension headaches and pain on both sides of the head like a vice, it could be due to caregiver stress.

Getting Sick More Often Stress weakens the immune response, making it more difficult for the body to fight viruses and other illnesses. For example, you may catch a cold followed by a bout with COVID that develops into pneumonia, only to recover and develop shingles. The body cannot fight off illness without proper rest and nutrition.

The best way to manage caregiver burnout is to seek support and prioritize self-care, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep. You may need to locate resources locally to help you.

Finding Support in Orange County, California

If you feel like you need extra support or resources to avoid or recover from caregiver burnout, contact our office today at Orange County Christian Counseling to schedule a session with a Christian counselor in Orange County. Your counselor will combine evidence-based psychology with faith-based principles to help you heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Contact us today to get started.