Taking Care of the Care Giver

You are at work frantically working on a report that is due today. You need to be sure to get out of work on time because you need to run your children to soccer and baseball practice. Your cell phone rings and your heart sinks. Your mom is calling—again! You were just there last night and talked to her once already today. What does she need this time?

Sound familiar? If you are a caregiver, chances are you are feeling pulled in hundreds of directions in any given day. Most caregivers have other important and pressing responsibilities, so the added responsibility of caring for a senior loved one is likely to cause both emotional and physical stress.  When you are a care giver it is easy to forget your own needs. After all, you are a care giver, not a “me giver” right?

Well, yes and no. As difficult as it might seem, you need to pay attention to yourself too. Why?  Recent studies have found that family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age prematurely. This level of stress can take as much as 10 years off a caregiver’s life.

So how do you know if caregiver stress is affecting you? Look for these common 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, diarrhea)
• Weight fluctuation (gain or loss)
• Loss of hair
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, 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

If you are experiencing some of the signs listed above, consider talking with a healthcare professional that can help you to evaluate your situation.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. Getting support will help reduce caregiver stress, as well as reduce the associated risks of ongoing stress.

Take care of you so you can take care of others!