Dealing with Caregiver Stress

According to the National Center on Caregiving, 52 million informal and family caregivers provide care to adults who are ill or disabled. The terms informal and family caregiver refer to unpaid individuals who provide care.

Caregivers often juggle caregiving responsibilities with full-time work and/or parenting. Due to so many demands, caregivers frequently put their own needs aside which can lead to increased stress. Caregiver stress is considered to be the emotional strain of caregiving.

If any of the following apply to you, you may be experiencing caregiver stress:

•  Sleeping problems

•  A change in eating habits resulting in weight loss or gain

•  Frequent physical problems

•  Becoming easily irritated, angered, or frustrated

•  A general feeling of tiredness, sadness, or anxiety

Sometimes managing the stress of being a caretaker seems overwhelming. The thought of trying to meet your own needs may seem unrealistic. Keep in mind however, that you will better serve others when you take care of yourself.

In order to prevent or reduce caregiver stress, here are some tips:

•  Ask for and accept help

•  Prioritize your responsibilities and establish a daily routine

•  Try to eat right and exercise as often as possible

•  Try to get enough sleep

•  Join a support group

•  Consider individual counseling

SVILC Counseling Services can help you deal with the feelings, stress, and demands of being a caregiver. For more information on SVILC Counseling Services, call Susan Knudsen or Ruth White at 408.894.9041.