What is Caregiver Stress? How to manage Caregiver Stress?

Often, the tasks that define being a caregiver, such as assisting a parent with medicine purchases and organisation or taking a friend to a doctor’s appointment, appear to be nothing more than doing what needs to be done when someone requires assistance. A caregiver, in simple terms, is someone who looks after the needs or worries of someone who has short or long term limitations due to disease, injury, or disability. Individuals who care for members of their family of choice, are referred to as “family caregivers”. Members of their congregation, neighbours, or close acquaintances could be among them. In healthcare, family caregivers play an important role because they are frequently the primary source of vital information about the patient.

Who are caregivers

Anyone who provides care for another person is referred to as a “caregiver” or “caretaker”. Family caregivers and respite caregivers are two separate types of caregivers who provide specific care. Caregivers can assist in the alleviation of burdens and the assistance of those in need. They may be of assistance for a long time or only for a short period, but their care is always essential. They assist their clients with daily duties as well as providing company. They do not provide medical assistance. Caregivers provide a more personal touch.

Caregiver Stress and who gets it

Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion are all symptoms of caregiver stress. It usually occurs when a person neglects their own physical and mental well-being in order to care for a sick, injured, or disabled loved one. The lives of people who care for their loved ones are significantly impacted by caregiver stress. It has the potential to affect not only the caregiver’s attitude, but also his or her long-term health and wellness.

It is almost certain that roles and emotions will evolve. Anger, frustration, exhaustion, loneliness, and sadness are all natural emotions. Caregiver stress, which includes both emotional and physical strain, is very frequent. People who are stressed as caregivers are more likely to face changes in their own health. 

Anyone can experience caregiver stress, but women caregivers are more likely than men to report stress and other health issues. In addition, some women are at a higher risk of health problems as a result of caregiver stress, such as those who:

Care for a loved one who requires constant medical attention and supervision: Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are more likely to be depressed and have health problems than caregivers of people with diseases that do not require constant  care.

Care for their spouse: Women who care for their spouses are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as twice the risk of heart disease, than women who care for others, such as parents or children.

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

A person may be so focused on their loved one as a caregiver that they do not notice their own health and well-being is suffering. Signs and symptoms of caregiver stress are:

Overwhelmed or anxious all of the time.

Tired all the time.

Excessive or insufficient sleep.

Gaining or losing weight.

Easily becoming upset or furious.

Losing interest in things one used to appreciate.

Depressed mood.

Experiencing regular headaches, body pain, or other physical issues.

Abusing alcohol or drugs (even prescribed drugs).

Irritability.

Overreacting to minor nuisances.

New or worsening health problems.

Trouble concentrating.

Feeling increasingly resentful.

Neglecting responsibilities.

Withdrawal from friends, family and other people who are important to you.

Feeling alone, isolated or abandoned by others.

Physically or emotionally, there is a loss of control.

Excessive stress, especially over a long period of time, can be harmful to one’s health. One is more prone to develop depression or anxiety symptoms as a caregiver. Furthermore, one may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a well-balanced diet, increasing the risk of medical issues including heart disease and diabetes.

Many of these signs of stress stem from the same source: a sense of not having enough time on one’s hands. It is crucial not to dismiss these warning signs because they will only get worse if one does so. One needs to maintain the physical and mental health and return to delivering the care his/her loved one needs by prioritising one’s own well-being first.

How caregiver stress affects one’s health

Stress can be positive for one’s health since it aids in the ability to cope with and respond to change or challenges. Long-term stress, including caregiver stress, can, nevertheless, cause major health issues.

Depression and Anxiety: Women caregivers are more prone than men to experience anxiety and depression symptoms. Anxiety and sadness can increase the chances of developing other health issues including heart disease and stroke.

Weak immune systems: Stressed caregivers may have weakened immune systems and spend more days unwell with the cold or flu than non-caregivers. In addition, recovery from surgery may take longer.

Obesity: More women than men gain weight as result of stress. Obesity increases the chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other health issues.

Higher risk for chronic diseases: High stress levels, especially when mixed with depression, might increase the risk of developing health problems including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or arthritis.

Problems with short-term memory or paying attention: Short-term memory and attention impairments are more common in caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ways to prevent or relieve caregiver stress

Taking actions to alleviate caregiver stress can help one avoid health issues. Taking care of yourself also allows you to provide greater care for your loved one and get the benefits of caregiving.

Find out how you might better assist your loved one. Some hospitals give training on how to care for someone who has been injured or is ill.

To assist you, look for caregiving options in your area. Adult daycare or respite programmes are available in many regions to provide primary caregivers a break from their responsibilities.

Request and accept help. Make a list of the ways in which others can assist you. Allow your volunteers to choose what they want to do.

Join a caregiver support group. You can join a general caregiver support group or one for caregivers who are caring for someone with the same illness or impairment as your loved one. You can share stories, seek caregiving advice, and get support from others who are going through similar situations.

Organise and make to-do lists  and establish a daily schedule.

Set aside some time for yourself. Keep in touch with family and friends and spend time with loved ones doing the things you enjoy.

Take good care of yourself. Make time to exercise on most days of the week, eat nutritious meals, and get adequate sleep.

Make it a habit to see your doctor on a regular basis. Make sure the doctor or nurse is aware that you are a caregiver. Also, inform them of any depression or illness symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you are like most caregivers, you find it difficult to ask for help. This mindset, unfortunately, can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression. Rather than struggling by yourself, take advantage of local caregiver resources. Resentment can result from constantly putting someone else’s wants ahead of your own. However, your loved one requires a happy, healthy caregiver, so keep in shape physically and mentally.

Sources:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/community_health/johns-hopkins-bayview/services/called_to_care/what_is_a_caregiver.html

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784#:~:text=Caregiver%20stress%20—%20the%20emotional%20and,Social%20isolation

3. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/caregiver-stress

4. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm

5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout

6. https://familydoctor.org/caregiver-stress/

7. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/signs-of-caregiver-stress

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304539/