Caregiver burnout: recognising the signs
Looking after a parent or spouse is an act of love, but it can wear you down without you noticing. Burnout builds slowly, especially when care is fitted around work, children and your own health.
Common signs
- Feeling tired even after a full night's sleep
- Getting irritable or impatient more often
- Pulling away from friends and things you used to enjoy
- Frequent headaches, colds or trouble sleeping
- Feeling guilty whenever you take time for yourself
If several of these sound familiar, treat them as a signal to change something, not as a personal failing.
Share the load
Many families leave one person, often a daughter, to do most of the caring. Sit down together and divide tasks clearly, including appointments, shopping, paperwork and paying for care. Siblings who live far away can still help with money, admin or regular phone calls.
Plan regular breaks
Respite care means a professional takes over for a few hours, a day or a week. A regular weekly break is easier to keep than waiting until you're exhausted. Use the time for sleep, exercise or simply being somewhere else.
Talk to someone
Support groups, a trusted friend or your own doctor can all help. If you feel hopeless or overwhelmed for weeks at a time, please speak to a healthcare professional.
