Caregiver fatigue: how to prevent and support it

Being a carer, in your professional or personal life, requires you to dedicate yourself physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s no surprise, then, that caregiver fatigue is a common occurrence in the care sector.

Supporting someone on a day-to-day basis is all-consuming, sometimes. We want those we care for to feel championed in every aspect of their life; this requires energy, time, patience, resources and resolute dedication. And, though the benefits of being a carer usually outweigh the negatives, it doesn’t dissolve the fact that we, too, are human.

With an emotionally and physically-draining role like being a caregiver, burnout is to be expected. Especially when carers go over and beyond what is typically expected of them: financially, physically, emotionally and with their time.

But, what can we do to stop it getting to this point?

What does caregiver fatigue look like?

For each person, burnout can look different, but there are key signs to monitor.

7 signs of caregiver fatigue:

Irritability
Feeling exhausted
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious and/or depressed
Gaining or losing weight
Losing enjoyment in the activities you used to like
Sleeping too much or too little

How to avoid caregiver fatigue

Things like unrealistic expectations, role confusion, lack of control and unreasonable demands are major contributors to burnout. Having an awareness about these things can stave off burnout but – as a carer – this isn’t always possible. But, caregiver fatigue doesn’t need to be inevitable.

It’s a two-pronged method to avoid it: the carer being aware of when too much is being demanded of them and the carer being able to verbalise these feelings. And, it’s not just the carer who should be aware of potential burnout. It’s important – if the carer works under an organisation – that those around them can identify when it’s becoming too much, and have measures in place to support the carer.

Especially as it’s not just the carer who will be impacted by burn-out, the one who is being cared for will experience negative consequences too, such as negligence, loneliness, frustration and self-blame.

The end goal is to avoid this sensation of hopelessness as this debilitates the entire premise of caring. We can’t do it all, but what we can provide in terms of support to someone, or a group of people, is just as important.

What we can do to prevent burnout:

Join a caregiver support group
Ensure respite services are used (and ensure there is funding for this) as everyone – all parties involved in caregiving – needs a break and a change of scene every so often
Set realistic goals when supporting someone; goals which are attainable on a short-term or long-term basis and don’t require you to blur the boundaries of support (for example, giving money regularly to the person you support would be blurring the boundaries, especially if you are a formal (paid) support)
Speak to someone you trust: a friend, family member or co-worker and let them know you’re feeling frustrated and exhausted
Set aside time for self-care
Talk to a professional about your concerns or your emotions (this could be a therapist)
Know your limits
Practice coping tools such as mindfulness
Lead a healthy life: nutritious food has been shown to have a positive impact on your mental health as well as your entire wellbeing

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Key takeaways

If you or someone you know is experiencing carer fatigue; is being asked to do too much; is simply doing too much because they believe someone’s needs aren’t being met, and it is falling to their shoulders to facilitate a change, it is important to speak up.

As a carer within an organisation, reach out to your Line Manager and raise the issue that you’re either experiencing burnout or you recognise that you are about to experience it if you do not get a break, or a change from your regular routine and client/s. As an informal support, then it is important that you do speak to someone either professional or someone you’re close to.

Should you need some professional contacts or resources, then read our list below:

Mental health support:

Beyondblue (or call 1300 224 636)

Lifeline (or call 13 11 14)

MensLine Australia (or call 1300 789 978)

Relaxation and stress-management:

Calm

Smiling Mind