How to Avoid Caregiver
Holiday Burnout and Stress

Caregiver Help photo of landscape in  Sedona, AZThis week we’re going to be talking about how to avoid caregiver burnout. The mental, emotional and physical stress of caring for those who cannot care for themselves takes a tremendous toll on a person. Adding the stress of the holidays to the normal, everyday pressures of caregiving, could take a person over the edge.

In order to avoid that, let’s start with getting a baseline assessment of where your stress level is right now. Take the following self-assessment test. Don’t overthink the statements. Just read them and keep track of how many resonate with you.

_____ It’s hard for me to find time to do things I like to do. I have given up a lot of activities I used to enjoy.

_____ I have trouble sleeping, and I frequently wake up feeling tired and dreading the day ahead.

_____ I feel like I’ve lost touch with a lot of my friends.

_____ I have dropped out of clubs, organizations, and social circles because I just can’t find the time to stay involved.

_____ I have some alarming and/or annoying physical symptoms that I should probably discuss with my doctor.

_____ There are days when I feel very trapped.

_____ I know exercise is good for me, but I just don’t have time to go to a gym or a regularly scheduled class.

_____ I frequently feel angry, frightened, and/or sad. I suspect I may be a little depressed.

_____ I hesitate to ask family or friends to help because I don’t want to be a burden.

_____ I feel guilty because I get impatient or angry, and sometimes I’ve even wished his/her suffering would just end.

_____ Most days I don’t have the time or energy to take care of myself.

Total the number of statements you checked on this page: _______

If you checked four or more statements, you may already be suffering from caregiver burnout. Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk about some strategies that can help you manage the stress of caregiving and get through the holidays without experiencing a physical and/or emotional collapse.

Click here to the definition of the word Baseline in Wikipedia