Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving has many different definitions.  You do not need to be providing direct care to be called a Caregiver.  Caregivers have so much on their plate that they typically don't remember what they just ate for lunch.  From shopping, medication reminders, managing finances, helping with personal care to transportation, Caregivers are non-stop from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed and sometimes even in-between.  Because of this it is important to know warning signs of caregiver burnout.  Here are some of the warning signs: depression, sense of ongoing and constant fatigue, decrease interest in work and productivity, withdrawal from social contacts, increase in use of stimulants and alcohol, increasing fear of death, change in eating pattern, feelings of helplessness, much less energy, decrease in immune system, neglect own needs, trouble relaxing, life revolves around caregiving, and increasingly impatient and irritable.  If you see any of these signs in a friend, colleague or loved one, provide help, whether it is making dinner or taking a shift.  The smallest help is always gratefully appreciated.