fbpx

Beacon Support

1300 435 782
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Aged Care
      • In Home Aged Care
      • Dementia Care for the Aged
  • Locations We Served
    • Specialist Disability Accommodation Brisbane
    • Southeast Queensland Home Care
  • NDIS Info
    • NDIS Service Provider
      • NDIS Funding
      • Amputation in Home Care
      • Angelman Syndrome in Home Care
      • Acquired Brain Injury in Home Care
      • Autism in Home Care
      • Bowel Therapy in Home Care
      • Brain Injury in Home Care
      • Cerebral Palsy in Home Care
      • Cerebrovascular Accident in Home Care
        • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease In Home Care
      • Cystic Fibrosis in Home Care
      • Deafblindness in Home Care
      • Diabetes in Home Care
      • Down Syndrome In Home Care
      • Facilited Communication In Home Care
      • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome In Home Care
      • Fragile X In Home Care
      • Genetic Conditions In Home Care
      • Helping Patients with their Catheters at Home
      • Hemiplegia In Home Care
      • Huntington’s Disease In Home Care
      • In Home Help with Patients with Hoisting
      • Intellectual Disability In Home Care
      • Medication Assistance In Home Care
      • Caring for Someone with Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
      • Multiple Sclerosis In Home Care
      • Muscular Dystrophy In Home Care
      • Nasogastric Tube Feeding In Home Care
      • Osteogensis In Home Care
      • Paraplegia In Home Care
      • Permanent Blindness In Home Care
      • Prader Willi In Home Care
      • Quadriplegia In Home Care
      • Rett Disease In Home Care
      • Spastic Quadriplegia In Home Care
      • Spina Bifida In Home Care
      • Spinal Cord Injury In Home Care
      • Spinal Injury In Home Care
      • Spinal Muscular Atrophies In Home Care Designed for You
        • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1
        • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2
        • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3
        • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 4
        • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 5
      • Stomas In Home Care
      • Stroke In Home Care
      • Tetraplegia In Home Care
      • Ventilation In Home Care
      • Vision Impaired In Home Care
      • Short Term Care and Support
      • NDIS SIL (Supported Independent Living)
        • Supported Independent Living Brisbane
      • Specialist Disability Accommodation Brisbane
  • Private Home Care
    • Palliative Home Care
    • Rehabilitation Assistance Services
  • Residential Listings
  • Blogs
  • Contact Us
  • Employment Opportunities
    • Disability Support Jobs
    • Personal Care Worker Jobs
    • NDIS Jobs
  • FAQs
    • What is the NDIS in Australia
    • Who is eligible for NDIS
    • What are the Benefits of NDIS
    • What is at Home Aged Care Services
    • Dealing With Autism
    • Helping the Disabled at Home
    • What is NDIS SIL
    • How do I register for the NDIS

Caregiver Burnout: Symptoms & Treatment

by BeaconSupport / Tuesday, 29 October 2024 / Published in Blog
exhausted male nurse sitting on the floor

Did you know that there are 1.2 million primary carers in Australia? 

If you’re one of them, hats off to you. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges. 

Over time, the emotional impact can build up, especially with the caregiver’s long-term responsibilities that may last for years. It can be particularly tough if you feel overwhelmed, see no hope for improvement, or watch your family member’s condition worsen despite your best efforts. If your stress from caregiving is left unchecked, it can affect your health, relationships, and mental state, leading to burnout. 

You don’t need to struggle alone. 

Recognising these challenges and seeking support are a must. We’re here to help you prevent caregiver burnout but also support you if you’re already experiencing it.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout happens when your well-being gets neglected while you devote all your time and energy to caring for someone else. It can also occur when you take on more than

you can handle emotionally, physically, or financially. 

Imagine the flame of a candle flickering and dying – that’s what caregiver burnout can feel like. Your ability to care for yourself and your loved one diminishes.

The Emotional Toll of Burnout

Burnout manifests in different ways for everyone. Here are some common emotional signs:

  • Anxiety or Fear: You constantly worry about making mistakes that could harm the person you’re caring for.
  • Anger or Frustration: You might feel resentment if the person in your care doesn’t accept, want, or appreciate your efforts.
  • Denial: You downplay the seriousness of the situation, which can prevent you from seeking help.
  • Guilt: Taking time for yourself can feel selfish, leading to self-blame and neglecting your own needs.
  • Despair and Hopelessness: The constant demands and challenges can make you feel like giving up.
  • Seclusion or loneliness: You may withdraw from friends and family, feeling alone and unsupported.

Remember, you’re not alone. These feelings are common with burnout, but it’s important not to let them control you. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Stress or Burnout: How to Know the Difference

Caregiver burnout and stress are related but not the same. You can have stress without being burnt out, and you can get burnt out because of prolonged stress.

Knowing whether you’re stressed or burnt out helps you find the remedy that is good for you.

Stress

Stress is short-term and part of your everyday life. If you’re stressed, you can still manage your caregiving tasks despite the pressure you have.

10 Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

  1. You cut back on leisure activities.
  2. You have trouble sleeping. 
  3. You overdrink, overeat, or over-smoke.
  4. You are physically tired.
  5. You feel resentful and frustrated.
  6. You are irritable, anxious, and depressed.
  7. You unconsciously neglect your responsibilities.
  8. You have headaches, muscle tension, or acid reflux.
  9. You overreact to minor nuisances.
  10. You can’t concentrate.

To relieve stress, you can take time off from caregiving and get enough rest. Exercising, singing, or catching up with friends can help you feel motivated again. 

Burnout

While stress is like a low battery, burnout is like a dead battery. It’s the result of prolonged stress, leading to feelings of disengagement and hopelessness.

10 Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

  1. You constantly feel exhausted, even after rest.
  2. You find it difficult to relax, even with help available.
  3. You feel disconnected from your loved ones.
  4. You frequently catch colds or flu.
  5. You become impatient with the person you’re caring for.
  6. You constantly feel inadequate and unhappy with your loved one’s health progress.
  7. You feel drained and used up.
  8. You neglect your own needs due to busyness.
  9. You become apathetic, leading you to isolation 
  10.  You feel helpless and pessimistic.

Recognising the difference between stress and burnout helps you find the necessary steps to address them. Before you treat your burnout, identify where you’re coming from.

What Causes Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout occurs when you fail to meet your needs and don’t take care of yourself. Here are the several factors that contribute to caregiver burnout.

Role Confusion

Stepping into a caregiver role can blur the lines between being a caregiver and being a spouse, friend, or child. When multiple family members are involved in caring for an ill loved one, unclear roles can lead to increased stress.

Unmet Expectations

Like many caregivers, you may believe your care will positively affect the health and happiness of your loved one. While this is true, caregiving is still exasperating, making it hard to meet your loved one’s expectations.

Lack of Resources

You may feel frustrated by a lack of finances, resources, or skills needed to effectively care for your sick loved one.

Too Many Responsibilities

Caregiving can feel like you are juggling too many obligations at once. From looking after a family member, and providing for your household needs to going to work, you will feel restless. 

Lack of Awareness

You might miss the signs of burnout, dismissing your feelings as simply being busy.  Not recognising your stress can negatively impact your caregiving ability and relationships.

How to Treat Caregiver Burnout 

Your mental health matters and you may benefit from trying a combination of strategies to feel well again. Here are some steps to treat caregiver burnout.

Talk to a Therapist or Counsellor

Talking to a professional who understands caregiver challenges can help you process your thoughts and feelings.

Be Honest and Open

Be honest and open with what you feel. Downplaying your struggles won’t help. Your counsellor needs to understand the root cause of your burnout to support your recovery.

Make Time for Self-Care

Self-care is a necessity. If you make time for yourself unhurriedly, you can lovingly take care of your loved ones. Eat well-balanced meals, take a walk, and get enough sleep to replenish your energy.

Ask for Help 

Asking for and accepting help can be challenging. Your support system may not recognize your needs unless you communicate them. For example, if you’re cleaning, ask for help with other chores like preparing meals. Allowing others to support you can ease your burdens.

Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks

Feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities can be paralysing. Create a daily to-do list and tackle tasks one at a time to promote good stress management.

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are meant to protect you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Set boundaries to safeguard your time for self-care before caring for someone else. Practice saying “yes” when someone offers assistance and “no” when you reach your limits.

Find a Community

No man is an island. Support groups and community care can help you connect with others who understand your situation and provide comfort during breaks from caregiving.

Celebrate Small Victories

If you feel discouraged, remind yourself that your efforts matter. Treating yourself to a massage or a nice meal as a reward can motivate you to continue caring for your loved one.

Remember, you don’t need to cure your loved one’s illness to make a difference. Small actions that make them feel safe, comfortable, and loved are already significant. Taking these steps ensures you receive the necessary treatment to manage caregiver burnout and continue caring for your loved ones effectively.

Beacon Support Cares For You 

Looking after someone you love can be tough. You can count on us to be there for you and your family.

At Beacon Support, we completely understand the challenges of caregiving. We know how demanding it can be. We offer comprehensive information and services to help you navigate the challenges of caregiving and provide the best possible care for your loved one.

Whether you need a listening ear, some pointers or a helping hand, we’re here for you. Our goal is to make sure you and your loved one are both well looked after. 

We specialise in different care services, including CF homecare, vision impairment support, and MND palliative care. 
So don’t hesitate to reach out – call us and we can lighten your load.

Recent Posts

  • respiratory system

    Ventilation Respiratory System: Why It Matters

    Caring for someone with a disability means unde...
  • Dealing with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

    What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

    Did you know that a small amount of alcohol can...
  • parents with child holding hands

    What Is Rett Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    Every year, 1 in 10,000 female births worldwide...
  • A nurse provides reassurance by holding a patient's hand, symbolizing care and empathy in a healthcare setting.

    Domiciliary Care

    Are you or your loved ones reaching a point whe...
  • Hemiplegia Home Care Assistance

    The 5 Stages of Palliative Care for Your Loved Ones

    Caring for a loved one in need of palliative ca...

Phone: 1300 435 782
Fax: 07 3205 2947

Address: Unit 2, Building 5, 205 Leitchs Road, Brendale 4500

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • About Us
    • Aged Care
  • Location We Served
    • Specialist Disability Accommodation Brisbane (Redirects)
    • In-home Care in South East Queensland
  • NDIS Info
  • Private Home Care
  • Residential Listings
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home Care Employment Opportunities
  • FAQ
  • Sitemap

© 2024 Beacon Support. All rights reserved. Digital Marketing by JRNY Digital

Beacon Support
CONTACT INFO
phone

Phone: 1300 435 782

fax

Fax: 07 3205 2947

map

Unit 2, Building 5,
205 Leitchs Road,
Brendale 4500

HOME CARE SERVICES
  • Amputation in Home Care
  • Autism in Home Care
  • Brain Injury in Home Care
  • Diabetes in Home Care
  • Down Syndrome In Home Care
  • Osteogensis In Home Care
  • Spinal Injury In Home Care
  • Vision Impaired In Home Care
PRIVATE HOME CARE
  • In Home Aged Care
  • Aged Care Assistance at Home
  • Care & Support Services
  • Supported Holiday Travel
  • What is Supported Holiday Travel
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation Brisbane (Redirects)
  • Supported Independent Living Brisbane
CONTACT INFO
phone

Phone: 1300 435 782

fax

Fax: 07 3205 2947

map

Unit 2, Building 5,
205 Leitchs Road,
Brendale 4500

© 2025 Beacon Support | All Rights Reserved.

Hosted by 4Business Group ● SEO Brisbane ⁞ Marketing Brisbane ⁞ Printing Brisbane ⁞ Signage Brisbane ⁞ Website Design Brisbane

TOP
Building Signage Brisbane Window Decals Brisbane Signs Brisbane Reception Signage Brisbane Brisbane Signage Signage Signage Brisbane Signs Brisbane Brisbane Signs Window Signage Brisbane Signage Installation Brisbane Stickers Brisbane Printing Brisbane Branding Brisbane Sign Shop Brisbane Go Brand Shop Go To Print Printing Business Card Printing Sunshine Coast Signage Gold Coast Gold Coast Signage Signs Gold Coast Gold Coast Signs Window Signage Gold Coast Signage Installation Gold Coast Stickers Gold Coast Printing Gold Coast Branding Gold Coast Sign Shop Gold Coast Brisbane SEO SEO Brisbane SEO Agency Brisbane SEO Marketing Brisbane SEO Company Brisbane SEO Specialist SEO Services Brisbane Serach Engine Optimisation Brisbane Signage Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Signage Signs Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Signs Window Signage Sunshine Coast Signage Installation Sunshine Coast Stickers Sunshine Coast Printing Sunshine Coast Branding Sunshine Coast Sign Shop Sunshine Coast SEO Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast SEO SEO Expert Sunshine Coast Local SEO Sunshine Coast Neon Signs Brisbane Illuminated Signage Neon Signs Gold Coast Custom Neon Signs Gold Coast Car Wraps Sunshine Coast Car Wraps Gold Coast LED Signs Brisbane Digital Signage Brisbane Signage Sunshine Coast Signs Sunshine Coast Signage Brisbane Brisbane Signage Window Signage Brisbane Signs in Brisbane Sign Shop Brisbane LED Business Signs Near Me Signage Signage Brisbane 4Business Group SEO Brisbane Digital Marketing Website Design Printing Brisbane Signage Brisbane