National Family Caregivers Month 2021
Acting as a family caregiver is no easy feat. Between caring for your loved one and caring for yourself, it's understandable that you may become exhausted or overwhelmed. According to Mayo Clinic, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults act as informal caregivers for another adult. Whether it's a sick spouse or partner, an aging relative, or a disabled child, a caregiver is a label given to someone who provides help to another in need.
Unfortunately, individuals who actively care for another family member often don't identify themselves as a caregiver, rather accepting the role as a part of their familial duties. Once that role is recognized, a caregiver opens the opportunities to get the help and support they need. Caregivers often experience social isolation, depression, financial difficulties, and feelings of extreme tiredness. The emotional and physical demands are tremendous, therefore, it's helpful to take advantage of resources and tips that can help ease the process.
Caregiver stress is common! It's important to make time for yourself to care for your own mental and physical wellbeing. This will also benefit the care you are giving. In order to care for yourself and a loved one, watch for these warning signs that can lead to you feeling burnt out:
- impatience
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of concentration or memory
- changes in mood
- loss of interest in daily activities
- inability to accomplish usual tasks
To help address some of these feelings, try to find a few hours a week to do activities/hobbies that you enjoy. Don't forget to be proud of yourself for all that you have done and to remember that you are not alone!
If you find yourself struggling, clinicians in our Counseling & Wellness Centers can help you with challenges surrounding caregiving.
Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632) for more information.
Sources:
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/self-care-for-caregivers