Strengthening Dementia support in Waltham Forest: our visit to the Dementia Hub
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What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to work or overwhelming responsibilities. It can creep up slowly, leaving you feeling drained and disconnected, and recognising the signs early is crucial in preventing it from becoming more severe.
For those who are caring for elderly relatives, burnout can be particularly challenging. While caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, it comes with its own set of emotional and physical demands. Caring for a family member often means juggling family commitments, work, and social obligations, all while managing the worry of seeing a loved one decline. In the midst of all this, it’s easy to neglect your own well-being. Listening to your body and prioritising your own health is crucial to preventing burnout.
What are the signs of burnout?
Recognising the signs of burnout early can help you take the necessary steps to care for yourself. Burnout manifests in many ways – physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviourally.
Physical Symptoms
Burnout often starts physically with constant fatigue or a sense of energy depletion. You may feel exhausted even after rest, and simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Common physical signs also include headaches, muscle pain, or digestive issues. Sleep disturbances, like insomnia or excessive sleep, are also frequent indicators of burnout. If you’re constantly feeling drained and unable to recharge, it could be a sign that you’re headed for burnout.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotionally, burnout can make you feel detached or unmotivated. Activities that once brought you joy might now seem overwhelming or pointless. Increased irritability or frustration can also develop, even over small matters. Many family carers feel overwhelmed and helpless, questioning whether their efforts make any difference. This emotional exhaustion can sometimes lead to feelings of stagnation, where it feels like you’re stuck in a cycle of exhaustion with no way out.
Cognitive Symptoms
Burnout can affect your cognitive abilities as well. Concentration and decision-making may become difficult, and you may experience brain fog. This lack of focus can leave you feeling disconnected from your tasks. Additionally, you might start to feel a decreased sense of accomplishment, even when you put in significant effort, which further contributes to a sense of frustration and burnout.
Behavioural Symptoms
Behaviourally, burnout can manifest in avoidance – this could look like procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities you once managed easily. You may withdraw from social activities and relationships, preferring to stay alone as emotional and physical exhaustion takes its toll. Some individuals also turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like overeating, excessive screen time, or even relying on alcohol, to numb their feelings or escape the pressure they are facing.
What can I do to prioritise my wellbeing?
It’s really important to take proactive steps to care for yourself, especially if you have caring responsibilities so don’t be afraid to:
- Accept help
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it’s an important part of managing burnout. Whether it’s professional help, family members, friends, or your local community, don’t hesitate to lean on others. Many people find comfort in reading about other people’s positive caring experiences. If you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed, consider reaching out to your GP for advice. - Set realistic expectations
Set manageable expectations for both yourself and the person you’re caring for. Care responsibilities can be unpredictable, and life doesn’t always go according to plan. By accepting that things will change, you can create room for flexibility, which reduces the pressure to do it all. This mindset will help ease stress and anxiety, making it easier to adapt to the evolving needs of both yourself and your loved one. - Take a break
It’s important to recognise that taking care of yourself is crucial for being able to provide the best care for your elderly relative. Don’t hesitate to take a break when needed. Whether it’s a day out, spending time with friends, or going on a short holiday, giving yourself permission to step away for a while can make all the difference.
Respite Care: A valuable support system
Respite care is a simple, flexible solution that allows family carers to take the time they need for rest. Respite care can be planned in advance or arranged when unexpected situations arise. It’s essential not only for the well-being of the care but also for the care recipient. At GoodOaks, we understand the importance of providing family with a break. It helps recharge your energy, restores your emotional balance, and ultimately benefits your loved one’s care. By taking advantage of respite care, you ensure that both you and your loved one have the time and space to thrive.
Resources to support you
We have put together a FREE downloadable self care guide to help you look after yourself. It’s full of practical tips and actionable advice as part of our You Are Not Alone campaign. Click HERE to download it.
If you’re looking for additional guidance on managing stress and avoiding burnout, Dr. Rangan Chaterjee’s podcast episodes are excellent resources. In particular, the episode “7 Early Signs of Burnout and 10 Simple & Practical Tools to Help” offers tips that can help you recognise and address burnout before it takes over.
Taking steps to care for yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. Recognising burnout early and seeking help, setting boundaries, and taking breaks will ensure that you can continue to provide the loving care your elderly relative needs while also preserving your own well-being.
To speak to members of our team about how we at GoodOaks can support you with visiting and live-in care, contact us HERE.
