CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Care for Caregivers

The Chowan Herald - 7/12/2017

Dear NAMI,

I have a friend who is the only caregiver for her mother who has dementia. I am increasingly concerned as I see my friend exhaust herself day in day out caring for her mom. I try to be supportive and offer assistance when I can which seems to help. Please share any information that might be helpful.

Worried Friend Dear Worried,

You are right to be worried. What you may be seeing in your friend is called CAREGIVER BURNOUT. When prolonged and excessive stress from caring for a loved one with Dementia leaves you feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted, you may be facing burnout. Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling helpless, hopeless, angry, and resentful. Here are some warning signs of caregiver burnout from The National Alzheimer's Association:

10 Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed

2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer's or frustration that he or she can't do the things they used to be able to do

3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good

4. Anxiety about the future and facing another day

5. Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope

6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks

7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns

8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and action

9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks

10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll

Tips to manage stress

If you experience signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

Know what resources are available.

Adult day programs, in-home assistance, and meal delivery are just some of the services that can help you manage daily tasks.

Get help.

Trying to do everything by yourself will leave you exhausted. Seek the support of family, friends and caregivers going through similar experiences. Tell others exactly what they can do to help. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) can be a good source of comfort and reassurance.

Use relaxation techniques. There are several simple relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress. Try more than one to find which works best for you.

Visualization (mentally picturing a place or situation that is peaceful and calm)

Meditation (try taking 15 minutes a day to letting go of all stressful thoughts)

Breathing exercises (slow your breathing and focus on taking deep breaths)

Get moving.

Physical activity - in any form - can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can help. Take a walk. Do an activity you love, such as gardening or fishing.

Make time for yourself.

As a caregiver, it's hard to find time for yourself, but staying connected to friends, family and activities that you love is important for your well-being. Even if it's only 30 minutes a week, carve out a pocket of time just for yourself.

Take care of yourself.

Visit your doctor regularly. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you stay healthy will help you be a better caregiver.

For more information on dementia, visit the Alzheimer's Association website at www.alz.org

Many of the above stress symptoms and management tips also apply to caregivers of individuals with other types of mental illness. If you feel that you need support, you may want to consider joining our NAMI Support Group. We meet the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Chowan Meeting Room at the hospital. When individuals attend for the first time, there is often an emotional reaction to the realization that "YOU ARE NOT ALONE!"

Nationwide News