For Help Overcoming Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue, Trust Chapin & Russell Associates
Fatigued caregivers often experience stress, depression, anger and/or anxiety during the day-to-day routine of caring for others in their personal life or their jobs. Burn-out can also play a role in leading to a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion that may also be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive to negative or unconcerned. Finding a way to balance caring for others and caring for ourselves is a real challenge for many of us. With help from Chapin & Russell Associates in Peoria IL, you can learn ways to manage fatigue-related stress better and renew compassion for loved ones.
What is Caregiver Burnout?
Similar to the burnout you might feel at work or school, caregiver burnout includes feelings of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion due to the stress of caring for a loved one. As a caregiver, it’s normal to experience burnout at some point. However, burnout becomes a problem when it goes unaddressed. Significant caregiver burnout can result in poor physical and mental health for the caregiver and the one receiving care. Some symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
- Anxiousness
- Depression
- Exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Loss of Interest/Motivation
- Insomnia
- Weakened Immune System
- And More
What is Compassion Fatigue?
As caregiver burnout progresses, it can become a more serious mental health issue for a caregiver. Known as compassion fatigue, caregivers can experience a loss of ability to empathize and have compassion for others. Compassion fatigue results from the immense stress or pressure you can feel when empathizing with the suffering of a loved one. While many of the signs of compassion fatigue are similar to caregiver burnout, additional symptoms include:
- Anger
- Feelings of Hopelessness
- Increased Reliance on Substances
- Difficulty with Decision Making
- Constant Negative Thoughts
- Inability to Concentrate
What Can Be Done?
If you suspect you are experiencing caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a mental health professional. Chapin & Russell Associates’ counselors have helped clients learn coping techniques and management skills to address burnout’s root causes. Additionally, you can take steps to reduce the stress of caring for loved ones, which can prevent the worst consequences of caregiver burnout/compassion fatigue from coming to fruition. These steps include:
- Take Breaks – It’s important not to overwork yourself when caring for others. Taking moments for yourself allows you to refresh your mind and body.
- Participate in Hobbies – Like taking breaks, you want to set aside time to do what you enjoy. If you can’t enjoy hobbies, it can be difficult to find enjoyment in caregiving.
- Stay Social – In caring for loved ones, we can sometimes neglect our other relationships. Staying social is important when maintaining happiness and avoiding isolation.
- Ask for Help – To make time for breaks or hobbies, you might need some help from friends or family. You don’t have to take on all caregiving tasks alone.
- Attend to Physical Health – Sometimes, when caring for others, it’s easy to neglect your physical health. Ensure you continue to get plenty of sleep and exercise while eating as healthy as possible.
Call Today
To ensure caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue doesn’t get the best of you, find support and guidance from the mental health professionals at Chapin & Russell Associates. Learn more about caregiver burnout/compassion fatigue and additional counseling services by calling Chapin & Russell at 309-681-5850. We are located at 3020 W Willow Knolls Dr, Suite 2, Peoria, IL 61614. We offer telehealth and general counseling services for clients in Peoria, East Peoria, Dunlap, Washington, and communities throughout Central Illinois.
