Signs of Caregiver Stress

Stress can be a daily dose of one of the not so pleasant parts of life, caregiver stress doubly so. Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to certain events. It’s our body’s way of rising to obstacles and preparing to deal with strenuous activities. As caregivers, we must learn to cope with stress and understand how it affects us on a day-to-day basis. Many times we struggle to balance our responsibilities as a caregiver with our non-caregiver responsibilities such as work, family life and social lives. Half the battle of dealing with stress is in knowing the signs and symptoms. Here are some of the signs that caregivers should know to look out for:

• Depression
• Exhaustion
• Guilt
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Weight Loss
• Anger
• Lack of Concentration

If you are a caregiver who has noticed that you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we encourage you to talk with your doctor or seek out community support. If you feel that your loved one may need more care than you can provide please do not hesitate to reach out to Hospice Care of South Carolina. We are a passionate team of support and would be honored to help you and your family through this journey. Our social workers, clergy and highly trained staff are here to listen to you, help and support you. If you know of someone giving care that is dealing with stress, talk with them about it, they might not even notice that they are experiencing caregiver stress or are simply waiting for someone to talk with about it.

An easy way to lower stress levels before they get too high is to take a small break from caregiving and tend to your own needs. Asking a friend or family member for help is a great way to find a bit of spare time to go for a walk or take a quick nap. Remember, it’s ok to ask for help and it’s also ok to take some time to yourself, especially when it can increase your own health and well being. Taking breaks from caregiving is a part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that lends itself to balance and mental alertness.

You’re doing an amazing service by caring for a loved one or friend, but no one expects you do to it alone, and the risks associated with caregiver stress are not worth it. So continue to be a caregiver, but remember that you need to care for yourself as well.