How to Handle Caregiver Burnout During the Pandemic?

Physical exhaustion: Constant body aches, fatigue, frequent headaches

Weak immune system: Falling constantly ill

Changes in appetite: Eating too much or very little

Sleep concerns: Disturbed sleep patterns

Isolation from others: Avoiding family members, friends, or coworkers

Loss of interest: Lack of motivation to resume hobbies or even day-to-day activities

Anxiety & depression: Constantly worrying about the patient, overthinking

Emotional changes: Feeling irritated, frustrated, worthless, hopeless and helpless

Neglect of your own health & priorities: Not following basic self-care

Stage one: Caregiver stress

Stress arises due to a sudden shift in the role of a caregiver. Handling the news, understanding treatment, gathering resources can lead to extreme stress and worry along with frustration.

Stage two: Caregiver burnout

As overwhelming feelings continue, prolonged stress leads to a state of breakdown. Neglecting of self in the process of caregiving and isolation may increase. 

Stage three: Compassion Fatigue

A state of emotional and physical collapse where the caregiver has reduced ability to empathize towards the receiver and causes severe emotional distress. 

Self-care:

• It is important to prioritize your health along with taking care of other(s).
• You cannot pour from an empty cup.
• Your health and wellbeing are equally important.
• Some self-care strategies can look like eating healthy food, following a routine as much as possible, regulating, and getting enough sleep.

Emotional Regulation:

• As a caregiver, you undergo different emotions.
• It’s important to recognize, accept, and work through these emotions.
• Some common emotions are guilt, frustration, disappointment, resentment etc.
• Healthy ways of an outlet like art, journaling, meditation etc. can help in channelizing.

Seek Support:

• Caregiving is not an easy job that can be handled alone.
• Reach out to others for help.
• During pandemics this can look like having virtual emotional support, financial support, reducing the number of commitments at home and/or office.

Physical movement: 

• Despite the fatigue and weariness, it is essential to move your body and give it exercise.
• This helps in flexing the muscles, releasing the pain and aches.
• Some ways to get enough movements are climbing stairs, exercising, dance, stretching, etc.

Support groups:

• Support groups are a great way to connect with individuals going through similar experiences.
• This allows you to vent and share your experiences, learn or improve on your caregiving skills and strategies, and make you feel less lonely.

Professional help:

• The therapist helps you express and manage emotional changes you may experience as a caregiver.
• They can help you in finding ways to reduce burnout, start self-care and make small helpful changes in your life.