The first step in dealing with caregiver stress is to recognize the signs. Then, you can find ways to deal with it and enlist support or medical help when needed.
Common signs that stress may be affecting your health include:
Physical Signs of Caregiver Stress:
- Disturbed Sleep
- Back, shoulder or neck pain, muscle tension
- Headaches
- Stomach/digestive problems (upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea)
- Weight fluctuation (gain or loss)
- Loss of hair
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure, irregular heart beat, palpitations
- Chest pain
- Perspiration
- Skin disorders (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching)
- Periodontal disease, jaw pain
- Reproductive problems/infertility
- Weakened immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections
- Sexual dysfunction/lack of libido
Emotional Signs of Caregiver Stress:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Moodiness/mood swings
- Butterflies
- Irritability, easily frustrated, road rage
- Memory problems and lack of concentration
- Feeling out of control
- Increased substance abuse
- Phobias
- Argumentative
- Feeling of isolation
- Job dissatisfaction
If you are experiencing some of the signs listed above, consider talking with a healthcare professional who can help you to evaluate your situation. It is important that a family caregiver realize that she or he is not alone. Getting support will help reduce caregiver stress, as well as reduce the associated physical and emotional risks of ongoing stress.
Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a family caregiver. In fact, it is a necessity to take initiative with your own physical and emotional care, or else it could make you less useful to the person for whom you are caring.
(Source: caregiverstress.com)
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