Caregiving

As sweet and kind as caregiving may sound, caregiving might be one of the hardest jobs out there and one for which the majority of us are unprepared. Many times, we fall into this role unexpectedly with nothing else to guide us other than our love and commitment to the person we are caring for. Most of the care provided to the disabled and chronically ill in our communities is done so by family members including parents, spouses, children, siblings, and extended family members. Yet unlike professional caregivers, primary caregivers are on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hence it is no wonder how a caregiver’s physical, mental, social, and financial health can take a toll.

Some common effects of caregiving are:

Effects on emotional and mental health

Feelings of anger or sadness
Feeling overwhelmed
Feelings of guilt, resentment, and/or helplessness
Apathy
Constant worry
Loss of identity
Feelings of uncertainty
Cognitive decline including loss in short term memory or ability to focus.
Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
Suicidal ideation

Effects on physical health

Fatigue
Sleeping too much or too little
Reduced or increased appetite
Ailments such as acid reflux, headaches, and pain
Diminished immune system
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Increased risk for other diseases

Effects on relationships

Limited contact with others
Self-isolation

Effects on personal finances

Increased out of pocket expenses
Decreased savings
Increased debt
Limited income

Effects on employment

Reduced hours or changes schedule to provide care
Abandoning the workforce
Change of job or career

It is common to experience reluctance, ambivalence, or even guilt at the thought of carving out time for yourself. However, know that taking the time to care for yourself can help alleviate the burden of caregiving and create more balance in your life.

If you are experiencing any of the effects listed above or any others not listed and are willing to give yourself some care, please contact us today.

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