This time of year I work hard on my mental health.
In spring, everything is bursting with life and the promise of so much fun in the garden. In the summer, family visits and new adventures abound, and I usually get to go fishing. And although the colours this time of year stun and amaze me, the spectre of winter looms closer every day. The light fades and the garden is finished and soon snow and bad weather will shrink my world and cancel my plans. These thoughts may not be healthy, but they live inside my brain and I struggle to maintain my mental health as the snow piles up.
Stress. We all experience it, whether it’s related to the seasons, our workload, relationship struggles or any number of other factors.
Real and often toxic, caregiver stress needs to be managed or it can kill you. This month we will revisit this topic because every caregiver needs awareness of what it is, the dangers and what tools can be used to combat it. There is no “one size fits all” because every caregiver situation is unique, but with a plethora of ideas often comes a solution or two.
Like the frog in the pot, caregiver stress can creep up on you until the moment you lose it. Anger that seems to come out of nowhere or be out of proportion to the situation, tears which can’t be stopped, exhaustion, depression–all are signs, but the trick is to identify it before it gets to that stage. Here are some signs that you are struggling.
Caregivers need to know the signs of stress and burnout. Take this quick quiz –
check off each sentence that applies to you:
- I’m tired or exhausted a lot of the time.
- I’m having trouble sleeping (too little or too much, bad dreams, waking up at night).
- I’m not eating a healthy diet.
- I’m not exercising as much as I should.
- I feel anxious or depressed.
- I’m often sad, irritable, angry or easily upset.
- I worry a lot or I feel overwhelmed.
- It seems like I’m being pulled in several directions at once.
- I’ve having trouble concentrating, or I’m forgetful.
- I’ve lost interest in socializing and my usual hobbies.
- I hardly ever take time out for myself.
- I get sick more often than I used to, and illnesses seem to last longer.
- I’ve developed health problems (high blood pressure, bodily pain, headaches).
- I’m using alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications) excessively.
- I’m not keeping up with my own medical appointments, screening tests
or vaccinations. 1.
Although not comprehensive, this test can help you see areas where you need help. Remember, the purpose of this is to identify areas of need so that they can be helped, not to induce guilt. (Nobody exercises as much as they should, but if you never get the opportunity to have a walk, that’s not the best for you.)
Next week, we’ll look at what this kind of stress is doing to your body. Again, no guilt, but perhaps a wake up call. You are important to your elder and your health, mental, physical and emotional, matters.
- https://www.bayshore.ca/resources/the-signs-of-caregiver-burnout/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4_HvudvV-gIVFSyzAB1yeAtuEAAYASAAEgJDC_D_BwE
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