Caregiver stress and caregiver burnout are two very real situations family caregivers experience. There are similarities, but there are also key differences. If you can take care of caregiver stress before it advances into caregiver burnout, it can be easier to manage.<\/p>\n
What is Caregiver Stress?<\/strong><\/p>\n Caregiver stress is usually the precursor to burnout. You feel anxious and irritated. You can\u2019t concentrate and feel trapped in providing care. You might find yourself turning to food or alcohol to ease your stress.<\/p>\n Caregiver stress has you overreacting to little things. You have a hard time staying or falling asleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night, getting back to sleep seems impossible. You stop seeing friends or having a social life because you feel worn out and that you simply don\u2019t have time for fun.<\/p>\n This is the time to seek help. You need to make sure that others are stepping in to care for your parents. During those breaks, you need to seek support in an online or local support group. You need to go out with your family and friends. You need to set time aside to do things you love.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never had a hobby you enjoy, now is the time to start one. Bake break, learn to paint, take up knitting, or start gardening. Make sure you\u2019re finding a creative outlet to release some of your stress.<\/p>\n