Toula Wootan
Caring for a loved one can be physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausting. The word I have used to describe how I’ve felt in the past is depleted — nothing left to give. Some refer to it as caregiver burnout.
Have you ever felt like this? If so, you are certainly not alone. It’s so very common. Here are a few symptoms to let you know if you are experiencing caregiver burnout:
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Overreacting to minor nuisances
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Feeling constantly exhausted
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Losing interest in work
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Decrease in productivity at work
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Withdrawing from social contacts
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Increasing use of alcohol or stimulants
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Change in eating patterns
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Change in sleeping patterns
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Increasing use of medications for sleeplessness, anxiety or depression
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Inability to relax
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Scattered thinking
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Feeling increasingly resentful
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Being short-tempered with care recipient frequently
Do you see yourself in the above? If so, perhaps it’s time to take a step back, or perhaps to take a real time-out.
How, you say? If you don’t have family or friends who can step in, there are many support services to help you do this. Many assisted living facilities offer respite, a short-term stay. There are also many adult day care centers in our area, and we have many companion/sitter agencies. Perhaps you qualify for Aging True — they have a team of volunteers who can sit with your loved one occasionally.
Whatever it takes, take a break so you can rest, do something for yourself, renew your perspective and refresh. It’s essential. I like the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
I am the primary caregiver for both of my parents and work full-time, leading caregiving initiatives! I keep these eight things in mind to help me: sunshine, fresh air, exercise, prayer, water, diet, rest and laughter. Do they resonate with you? They are simple but make a big difference. So does having fun with friends! Don’t forget that.
I hope these help you. As always, thank you for caring.
Toula Wootan
Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, can now be hear on Spreaker.com/user/toulastipsforcaregivers or from Toula’s website at ToulasTipsforCaregivers.com. You can email Toula at toulastips@gmail.com
Thank you Toula for all you do for Caregivers in Jacksonville and all over the country!
The Purple Jacket 