Last Updated on September 10, 2024
Taking care of your loved ones or family can be rewarding, but over time, it may result in burnout and, eventually, resentment. What is caregiver burnout? It’s constant prioritizing of the needs of others instead of yourself that leads to a decline in your health, mental wellness, and overall fatigue.
Read on to learn more about it, how to prevent it, and how to reverse it before it’s too late.
Caregiver Resentment: What are the Signs?
As you care for others, don’t forget to take stock of how you feel day-to-day. Some signs might include:
- Feeling forced or “locked” into this role
- Feeling as if you aren’t “valued” by the person you’re taking care of, or you don’t feel appreciated for how much you do
- Becoming a caregiver has permanently altered your relationship
- You don’t feel like being a caregiver is your natural state
- Watching your loved one suffer, decline, or change based on their condition is affecting your mental health.
- Focusing on another person makes you feel like your time is cheated or without value
Most, or even some, of these feelings are natural. It’s even OK to feel resentful. However, it’s important to catch these feelings before they progress into permanent burnout or permanent resentment.
There is a notable difference between resentment and burnout. Caregiver burnout may refer to a situation that benefits from immediate action. Someone who is completely burned out cannot sustain their activities without additional help. However, if you’re resentful, you’re resentful. You can reduce this feeling by:
Ask for help – Before you reach out from a panicked mindset, start by asking family or friends if they can help offload small tasks. If they are unavailable, see if the insurance company has any resources to assist. Even mobile assists can make your life easier, such as installing a stairlift so you do not need to carry someone.
Reevaluate your situation – Check in with yourself every week or every month to see if you can change your tasks, bundle them, or delete them altogether.
Make sure your needs are met – Sometimes being hungry or thirsty can cause resentment. Ensure you fill your cup first and care of your hydration or food needs throughout the day.
Find support of your own – As you take on the task of helping others, ensure you have a support network to take care of your needs. This could be a therapist or friend to talk to, a food delivery service to stock your fridge, or even a cleaning service to help with your chores.
Only you know how to take care of yourself, so approach it with a clear mind before you approach caregiver burnout or resentment.
Caregiver Resentment to Burnout
There may come a point where you don’t want to be a caregiver anymore, and that is OK. Before you step out of that role, consider taking a step back first.
If hospice is involved, you may be able to enjoy your weekend or a holiday without the need to care for your loved one. Giving yourself time for self-care is not selfish — it’s necessary for your health. It may even reduce caregiver resentment in the long term.
Depending on your employment situation, you may be eligible for some type of family leave. Even if it’s just for a week or two, it might just be enough to help restore your mental health. Further, your loved one, depending on their condition, may qualify for an in-home health aide or nurse. When considering how to deal with caregiver resentment, remember there are resources available to assist.
If hospice is involved, then hospice respite care may be an option for you, and you might be able to have a weekend for yourself. Remember, it’s not selfish — it’s self-care. You’ll return relaxed, hopefully with less caregiver resentment, and in better shape to take care of your loved one.
Caregiver Burnout Symptoms and Treatments
Some caregiver burnout symptoms include chaotic time management and overall lethargy. To prevent caregiver burnout make sure you recognize the signs before they become unmanageable.
It may become increasingly difficult to care for yourself and your loved one — add to that working, children of your own, and a social life. Writing out a weekly plan or calendar may help you visualize your tasks and approach them with a thriving sense of time rather than from a surviving sense of time.
Lethargy is often a symptom of multiple aspects of life that require attention — most commonly sleep. Scheduling “me” time is important and can be as simple as a 60-minute yoga class, a long bath, or going to sleep earlier than usual. Listening to your body now will prevent you from hearing it scream later.
Further, taking care of yourself may minimize anger and resentment.
Avoiding caregiver burnout involves more than sleep. Yes, with a good nights’ sleep you can find yourself more present in your day and enjoy the little moments more. Also finding time to meditate can help you work through any emotional sadness you’ve stored throughout the day while caring for your loved one. When you have a clear mind you can think better and care for yourself and others from a better place.
You can look for support from your friends, family, and outside resources. Although you are the sole or primary caregiver of your loved one, you are not alone.
To learn more about mobility products to help reduce caregiver resentment, such as wheelchair ramps or stairlifts, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want patients and their caregivers to live their best lives.