A caregiver’s role is very crucial when it comes to supporting a cancer patient. They offer physical, emotional, and psychological support to such patients which can be very demanding and stressful at times. As a result, caregivers often suffer from burnout because they let their own needs go unattended. Therefore, it becomes imperative for caregivers to look after their own well-being while caring for a loved one to avoid physical exhaustion and mental health issues. This blog highlights some practical ways by which caregivers can get respite from burnout and still take care of their loved one.

Who are caregivers?

An individual who provides physical or psychological care to someone else who is facing declining health or an underlying illness is called a caregiver. It is the main role of a caregiver to ensure a person is safe and healthy. A caregiver may be your family member, spouse, friend, relative, or someone from a support group. While caring for someone can be very rewarding in terms of gratification, taking measures to prevent caregiver burnout is important.

Signs and symptoms of Caregiver Burnout 

While caring for a loved one, caregivers often tend to neglect themselves. Burnout may be different for different individuals. Some common signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
• Anxiety or fear
• Anger and frustration
• Guilt
• Negative emotions
• Loneliness
• Loss of sleep/oversleeping
• Losing interest in activities that you once liked
• Gaining or losing weight
• Frequent headaches and other pains
• Missing your own medical appointments

Tips to Reduce Caregiver Burnout 

1. Set realistic goals with the patient: Discuss and set boundaries with your patient regarding areas where they require help and don’t unnecessarily nag them in areas which they can deal with themselves.
2. Spend time outside: If the weather permits, take time out to explore a garden, go for short walks or a bike ride, jog or run as you breathe in fresh air.
3. Be kind to yourself: Show yourself some compassion and don’t cram all the information in at once. Give yourself time to learn more about cancer over time.
4. Invest time in a hobby: Take a break from thinking about cancer. Learn and adopt a new hobby to ease your mind.
5. Keep up with your own healthcare appointments: While caring for a cancer patient, do not forget to take care of your own health. Putting your health first will reduce feelings of resentment.
6. Savor the good moments: Even during bad days, there are some good moments that you can savor and enjoy. Just remember to soak in those tender, happy moments and enjoy them while they last.
7. Steer clear of negative social media posts: While searching for information on cancer, you might get flooded with depressing posts too! Make sure they do not influence you or have a negative impact on you. Only rely on credible sources while fact checking information about cancer.
8. Ask for and accept help: For times when you feel overwhelmed, have someone else take your place. Join a cancer support group that provides you an avenue to share your problems and make new friends. It’s often easier to bond with people who are going through your experiences.

Caregiver burnout can happen at any point of time while caring for someone with a serious health condition like cancer. It is important that you give time to yourself, delegate tasks, and have someone else pitch in to help with some of the chores. This way, you won’t suffer from feelings of guilt and will still be able to care for your loved one without facing a catastrophic change within yourself. While for some caregivers, the burnout may be physical, for few others it may be at an emotional or psychological level. Learn to identify the vital signs of burnout and seek timely professional help. This enables you to take care of your own self while providing compassionate care to someone living with cancer.