Carers Fatigue
Carers: Stress, depression and fatigue
Caring for a loved one be it human or companion animal may leave you feeling emotionally and physically drained.
Carers need to develop a routine that ensures they have some time for themselves.
Carer fatigue is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.
What are the symptoms of carer fatigue?
Fatigue can show similar symptoms to that of stress or depression:
Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Feeling low, irritable, hopeless or helpless
Changes in appetite, weight or both
Changes in sleep patterns
Emotional and physical exhaustion
What causes carer fatigue?
Role confusion -
Unrealistic expectations -
Lack of control -
Unreasonable demands on oneself
How can I prevent carer fatigue?
Don’t be afraid to ask relatives or friends for support.
Set aside time for yourself, relaxing or sociable i.e catching up with friends and family.
Talk to professionals.
Know your limits.
Learn to recognise your own symptoms of fatigue.
Educate yourself, the more you know about a disease or condition, the more effective you will be and less inclined to burn out.
Accept your emotions. Negative feelings such as anger and frustration.
Join a support group or have some counseling - sharing your feelings and experiences helps put things in perspective .
Caring for a loved one be it human or companion animal may leave you feeling emotionally and physically drained.
Carers need to develop a routine that ensures they have some time for themselves.
Carer fatigue is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.
What are the symptoms of carer fatigue?
Fatigue can show similar symptoms to that of stress or depression:
Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Feeling low, irritable, hopeless or helpless
Changes in appetite, weight or both
Changes in sleep patterns
Emotional and physical exhaustion
What causes carer fatigue?
Role confusion -
Unrealistic expectations -
Lack of control -
Unreasonable demands on oneself
How can I prevent carer fatigue?
Don’t be afraid to ask relatives or friends for support.
Set aside time for yourself, relaxing or sociable i.e catching up with friends and family.
Talk to professionals.
Know your limits.
Learn to recognise your own symptoms of fatigue.
Educate yourself, the more you know about a disease or condition, the more effective you will be and less inclined to burn out.
Accept your emotions. Negative feelings such as anger and frustration.
Join a support group or have some counseling - sharing your feelings and experiences helps put things in perspective .
Contact Karen: kja02001@bigpond.net.au & mobile 0450 482 321