10 Warning Signs of Caregiver Exhaustion

Burnout manifests itself in caregivers as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It may be followed by a shift in attitude, from compassionate to indifferent to negative. Caregivers may burn out if they do not have the necessary assistance or try to accomplish more than they are physically or financially capable of.

Many carers often feel guilty if they spend more time on themselves than on their ailing or elderly loved ones. Caregivers who are “burned out” may experience fatigue, stress, concern, and despair. Caregivers are so focused on others that they neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. The demands placed on a caregiver’s body, mind, and emotions can rapidly become overwhelming, resulting in exhaustion, despair, and, ultimately, burnout.

Other factors that may lead to caregiver burnout include:

1. Chest tightness as a result of tension
2. Sore muscles as a result of weariness or fatigue
3. Headache
4. Anxious mind
5. Appetite loss/meal skipping
6. Weakening of the immune system
7. Dehydration as a result of forgetting to drink water during the day
8. Withdrawal from friends and family
9. Quick Irritation
10. A sensation of helplessness or hopelessness as a result of being overwhelmed