Alzheimer Family Program

Emotional Issues and Burnout for Caregivers

Caregiving is very demanding physically and emotionally. It is not unusual for caregivers to experience “Caregiver Burnout”. When this happens, you are less able to care for your loved one and to care for yourself.

Some of the negative feelings many caregivers experience are listed, along with tips on how to handle them:

Anger

Anger is often the result of frustration. Develop a strategy to use when you feel your frustration level rising:

• Practice a relaxation technique.
• Remove yourself from the situation.
• Find a calming phrase or prayer you can repeat to yourself as you breathe slowly.
• Listen to what you are saying to yourself and stop your negative thoughts in their tracks.

Anxiety

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

• Listen to relaxing and soothing music.
• Take a warm bath.
• Get some exercise on a regular basis.

Depression

We often use this word when we mean sad, but depression can be more than being sad. Some of the signs of depression include sadness, worry, irritability, loss of interest, low energy, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, putting yourself down and inability to enjoy things. If you experience several of these for more than 2 weeks, tell your doctor, because depression can often be treated. Be careful that you do not overuse alcohol or other substances to dull the pain with these symptoms.

Sadness

Laughter truly is about the best medicine there is for sadness. Watch a really funny movie…something that will make you laugh out loud. Read light books or stories. Watch something like “Bloopers” or “Funniest Home Videos” on TV. Listen to happy music. Remember that it is okay to cry sometimes.

Fear

"Fear" can be confused with other emotions. If someone says “I’m afraid my mother will need to go to a Nursing Home”, chances are that the real feelings are anxiety (worry and dread) and sadness. Talk with someone who can help you pinpoint what the fears are. Problem solve for possible ways to deal with the fears. Get help, because fear can easily grow out of proportion. Educate yourself about caregiving. Ignorance of facts often leads to fear.

Frustration

Because frustration often leads to anger, the strategies for anger can apply here.

• Practice relaxation techniques.
• Exercise regularly.
• Withdraw from the frustrating situation.
• Repeat positive and calming phrases to yourself.