Caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, elderly parent, or other loved one can be a rewarding and heartfelt experience. While caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, many caregivers often shut down emotionally and lack the time and energy to properly care for themselves. Many family caregivers find themselves in what is called the "sandwich generation" in which they are caring for their younger children and elderly parents. In addition to caring for younger children and elderly parents, they also have to handle job, household, marriage, and other responsibilities.
The demands of caregiving can lead to feeling emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually drained. Compassion fatigue is a term that has replaced the more familiar term of "caregiver burnout." It is caused by overwhelming emotional stress that occurs when a caregiver gives a great deal of energy and compassion in caring for a loved one over a long period of time. Compassion fatigue also affects healthcare workers, clergymen, and other caregiving professionals. Compassion fatigue can lead to inadequate self- care, depression, isolation, and chronic health problems if not properly addressed.
Here are some signs of compassion fatigue:
Compassion fatigue can damage your health and self-esteem. Self- care is not an option; it is a "must" in order to be fully available to yourself and your loved one. Temporarily stepping away from caregiving is about turning off your caregiver brain, not heart. The first step is to recognize that there is a problem and then re-establish balance and control back into your life:
Here are some ways to prevent and alleviate the feelings of compassion fatigue:
Compassion fatigue can develop over a period of time. Preventing compassion fatigue by practicing good emotional health and maintaining balance is imperative for yourself and for your loved one. If you are having compassion fatigue, you are not alone and your feelings are normal. When you are faced with caring for a chronically ill or disabled loved one, seek assistance and support from others right away. Your commitment and journey to care for others is a gift of love.
Caring for a loved one often lead to lack of self-care and emotional distress. Compassion Fatigue is common among caregivers. Emotional wellness is a must for yourself and your loved one. Learn the signs and how to seek assistance for a healthier caregiving experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8951477
The demands of caregiving can lead to feeling emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually drained. Compassion fatigue is a term that has replaced the more familiar term of "caregiver burnout." It is caused by overwhelming emotional stress that occurs when a caregiver gives a great deal of energy and compassion in caring for a loved one over a long period of time. Compassion fatigue also affects healthcare workers, clergymen, and other caregiving professionals. Compassion fatigue can lead to inadequate self- care, depression, isolation, and chronic health problems if not properly addressed.
Here are some signs of compassion fatigue:
- Explosive and angry feelings of resentment as a result of holding in emotions.
- Fatigue, muscle aches, upset stomach, headaches, frequent illnesses.
- Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.
- Lack of proper eating and rest.
- Lack of self-care and neglecting appearance.
- Feeling irritable, over sensitive, and sad.
- Isolation.
- Grief.
- Stop enjoying activities that brought pleasure.
- Drug, alcohol, excessive smoking, and other addictions.
- Denial.
Compassion fatigue can damage your health and self-esteem. Self- care is not an option; it is a "must" in order to be fully available to yourself and your loved one. Temporarily stepping away from caregiving is about turning off your caregiver brain, not heart. The first step is to recognize that there is a problem and then re-establish balance and control back into your life:
Here are some ways to prevent and alleviate the feelings of compassion fatigue:
- Focus on yourself: Healthy eating, proper rest, exercise, relaxation.
- Schedule routine medical appointments for yourself.
- Take time out for yourself: Do regular activities that you enjoy. Have some "me time."
- Talk to a non-judgmental and understanding listener who you can share your emotions and experiences with.
- Find assistance: Sharing the responsibilities of caregiving with other family members and seek community services. (Contact your local area agency on aging for respite programs such as adult day care, home health care, and other programs).
- Learn to trust: Trust that other family members and outside agencies can also provide good care for your loved one and not to feel guilty that you need someone else to assist.
- Join a support group or other community support program.
Compassion fatigue can develop over a period of time. Preventing compassion fatigue by practicing good emotional health and maintaining balance is imperative for yourself and for your loved one. If you are having compassion fatigue, you are not alone and your feelings are normal. When you are faced with caring for a chronically ill or disabled loved one, seek assistance and support from others right away. Your commitment and journey to care for others is a gift of love.
Caring for a loved one often lead to lack of self-care and emotional distress. Compassion Fatigue is common among caregivers. Emotional wellness is a must for yourself and your loved one. Learn the signs and how to seek assistance for a healthier caregiving experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8951477
