Providing care to those who cannot fully care for themselves can be rewarding, but it can also be draining. Caregiver burnout can be categorized in different ways. For example, it can be physical, mental, emotional, etc. Emotional burnout may be harder to notice than physical, but it is just as important to take care of.
It can get very frustrating when caring for someone especially if it is family. As their brain, body, and lifestyle are changing, your care must change to meet them. Some signs of caregiver stress are feelings of anxiety, irritability, and isolation. Make sure to evaluate yourself from time to time in order to stay healthy and be able to provide the best care. Here are some other reactive feelings that could be leading you to emotional burnout.
Feelings of Emotional Burnout
Guilt
As you are trying to provide the best possible care for someone, you may start to realize that you just can’t do it all. This may cause you to feel guilty and that you aren’t doing enough. Truth is, you really can’t do it all. If you are experiencing guilt as a caregiver, you may want to rethink your expectations. Try to cut out the “shoulda, coulda, woulda’s” and focus on what you CAN do. If you don’t think you’re providing the best care, speaking with a professional or finding some extra help could be beneficial.
Resentment
Caregiver resentment can result from a number of reasons but is hardly admitted. Whether your resentment is toward the person you are caring for or others (that should be) involved in the situation, this bitterness could lead you to emotional burnout.
Sometimes, a family member is singled out as a caregiver for an elderly family member. This can mean that other family members do not put in any effort, which can be very stressful. If this is the case, try talking to your family members to find a better solution before you resent anyone in your family for not doing their part, or by taking too much of your life to care for a loved one.
Fear
Taking the responsibility to care for another human being is a huge commitment. Sometimes it’s hard to shake the questions such as “what if something happens?” or “what if I do something wrong?” There are many other questions caregivers could ask themselves every day, and some are unavoidable. When these fears start reoccurring, emotional burnout could be a consequence.
If you are scared, it could be helpful to speak with a professional or someone who has been in your position before. Their perspective can calm your nerves and help you provide better care without worrying as much. It is also beneficial to have a backup plan for a caregiver if something were to happen to you, so you can be assured that your loved one will be in good hands.
Grief
Grief can be felt both after a loss and even before the death. Anticipatory grief occurs while your loved one’s health is declining before death. If you are a caregiver, you are likely getting very close and intimate with the person you are caring for. You are watching them slowly fade, and it can be a very emotional process. Expressing your grief is one way to help limit the amount of pain you feel. Do not be afraid to reach out to a counselor to help get through the tough time.
