Caregiver Stress and Burnout: Risk Factors and Signs
Sometimes the responsibilities of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related memory problems can add on to your typical daily stress, and so, it can place you at risk for developing health and mental health issues. Here are some risk factors and signs to watch out for:
Risk Factors:
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Isolating from family, friends, and other loved ones
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A lack of support system
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Having mental health problems
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Financial difficulties
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Greater number of hours spent caregiving
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Lack of coping skills and difficulty solving problems
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Lack of adequate resources
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Neglect to take care yourself
Signs:
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Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed
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Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
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Feeling emotionally and physically tired often
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Gaining or losing weight
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Getting sick more often
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Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
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Becoming easily irritated or angry
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Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or helpless
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Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems