iSavta | 24.05.2021

It can be very stressful to care for an ill person and there are times when the experience can even become traumatizing. This is why caregivers are often prone to developing due to the physical and psychological stress of caregiving or also called caregiver stress syndrome. For caregivers suffering from this condition, it is important to remember that there are things you can do to manage this and support is also available if you need one.  

 

Caregiver Stress Syndrome Symptoms

PTSD is generally thought to be a condition that soldiers acquire following a combat experience. However, studies revealed that even caregivers can suffer from PTSD. Sufferers are angered and burned out because of their caregiving experience.  
Below are just some of the few symptoms of caregiver stress syndrome:

• Depression 
• Overreaction to even the smallest nuisances
• Feelings of resentment toward caretaking responsibilities
• Neglect of personal needs 
• Overindulging in food, smoking, or alcohol
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Constant exhaustion 
• Compromised immune system

Caregivers may still experience caregiver stress syndrome even after the patient’s death together with guilt or the belief that you would have been able to do more to look after them during their illness. 

 

Seek the Help of Professionals 

If you suspect that you are really going through caregiver stress syndrome, it is imperative to seek the assistance and help of a professional. Through this, you will be able to get a proper diagnosis and get access to resources that can help you in managing your condition, which includes taking part in a support group. These professionals can help you do the following:

• Recognize what you feel at the moment
• Focus on the things that you can really control and those that you cannot
• Learn relaxation methods as well as other forms of self-help methods 

 

Search for a Support Group

A support group will make you realize that you are never alone with this battle and there are still many other caregivers out there who are going through the same situation as you. Through these groups, you and the other members will help one another in validating your personal feelings and form meaningful connections. A professional may lead these groups or these can also be organized by a person who is suffering from the same condition as well. You can use the available resources to find support groups near your area. 

 

Make Yourself Your Top Priority

It can be very difficult to look after a patient and it can also be damaging most of the time, especially if you don’t have a solid support network in place. This is why your own wellbeing will always come first. Failure to look after yourself will put you at risk of failing to properly look after your patient. This is something that may endanger both of you. Due to your exhaustion, you may forget an important part of their care such as the management of their medications. 

Never feel shy or afraid to seek help. Take a break when you feel like you need one and avoid feeling guilty.