Empowering Caregivers
PeaceLoveandPaws
August 4th, 2021
While caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, it also involves many stressors. And since caregiving is often a long-term challenge, the emotional impact can snowball over time. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind—eventually leading to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. That’s why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Feeling powerless is the number one contributor to burnout and depression. And it’s an easy trap to fall into as a caregiver. But no matter the situation, you aren’t powerless. This is especially true when it comes to your state of mind. You can’t always get the extra time, money, or physical assistance you’d like, but you can always get more happiness and hope through empowerment.
* Practice acceptance. When faced with the unfairness of a loved one’s illness or the burden of caregiving, there’s often a need to make sense of the situation and ask “Why?” But you can spend a tremendous amount of energy dwelling on things you can’t change and for which there are no clear answers.
* Focus on the things you can control. You can’t wish for more hours in the day or force your brother to help out more. Rather than stressing out over things you can’t control, focus on how you choose to react to problems.
* Celebrate the small victories. If you start to feel discouraged, remind yourself that all your efforts matter. You don’t have to cure your loved one’s illness to make a difference. Don’t underestimate the importance of making your loved one feel more safe, comfortable, and loved!
*Applaud your own efforts. Find ways to acknowledge and reward yourself. Remind yourself of how much you are helping. If you need something more concrete, try making a list of all the ways your caregiving is making a difference.
(Source: Caregiver Stress and Burnout - HelpGuide.org: www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm#:~:text=%20Avoid%20caregiver%20burnout%20by%20feeling%20empowered%20,to%20feel%20discouraged%2C%20remind%20yourself%20that...%20More%20 )
What are some signs of caregiver burnout?
What small victory have you acomplished today? Please share your story!
Why might acceptance be helpful in a caregiver's journey?
Feeling powerless is the number one contributor to burnout and depression. And it’s an easy trap to fall into as a caregiver. But no matter the situation, you aren’t powerless. This is especially true when it comes to your state of mind. You can’t always get the extra time, money, or physical assistance you’d like, but you can always get more happiness and hope through empowerment.
* Practice acceptance. When faced with the unfairness of a loved one’s illness or the burden of caregiving, there’s often a need to make sense of the situation and ask “Why?” But you can spend a tremendous amount of energy dwelling on things you can’t change and for which there are no clear answers.
* Focus on the things you can control. You can’t wish for more hours in the day or force your brother to help out more. Rather than stressing out over things you can’t control, focus on how you choose to react to problems.
* Celebrate the small victories. If you start to feel discouraged, remind yourself that all your efforts matter. You don’t have to cure your loved one’s illness to make a difference. Don’t underestimate the importance of making your loved one feel more safe, comfortable, and loved!
*Applaud your own efforts. Find ways to acknowledge and reward yourself. Remind yourself of how much you are helping. If you need something more concrete, try making a list of all the ways your caregiving is making a difference.
(Source: Caregiver Stress and Burnout - HelpGuide.org: www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm#:~:text=%20Avoid%20caregiver%20burnout%20by%20feeling%20empowered%20,to%20feel%20discouraged%2C%20remind%20yourself%20that...%20More%20 )
What are some signs of caregiver burnout?
What small victory have you acomplished today? Please share your story!
Why might acceptance be helpful in a caregiver's journey?
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Sunisshiningandsoareyou
August 4th, 2021
Thankyou for addressing this , @PeaceLoveandPaws , great content ! ❤
What are some signs of caregiver burnout?
feeling exhausted or tooo tired to carry own responsibilities, feeling irritated or easily affected by small things even , feeling emotionally drained and distracted.
Why might acceptance be helpful in a caregiver's journey?
Acceptance plays a huge role I feel , assuring ourselves of what is in our control nd what's not , being mentally prepared for the "what ifs" , practicing mindful caution , spending more time in loving poeple instead of " protecting " them , helps in easing in the caregiver role somewhat .
What are some signs of caregiver burnout?
feeling exhausted or tooo tired to carry own responsibilities, feeling irritated or easily affected by small things even , feeling emotionally drained and distracted.
Why might acceptance be helpful in a caregiver's journey?
Acceptance plays a huge role I feel , assuring ourselves of what is in our control nd what's not , being mentally prepared for the "what ifs" , practicing mindful caution , spending more time in loving poeple instead of " protecting " them , helps in easing in the caregiver role somewhat .
delightfulUnicorn38
November 11th
@PeaceLoveandPaws
thank you for this post 🌷