For many caregivers, even the most basic self-care falls by the wayside — with potentially dire consequences. In fact, more than half of all caregivers surveyed in a 2006 study conducted by the National Alliance of Caregiving and
Evercare
reported that caring for someone else made their own health at least moderately worse.
“This extreme form of tension and self-sacrifice can be traumatizing and debilitating, and can produce symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Charles Figley, Ph.D., author of
“Treating Compassion Fatigue.”
The resulting issues — depression, insomnia, lethargy, panic attacks, headaches, and weight gain or loss — are common among health-care professionals and emergency first-responders who are overwhelmed.
In addition to the physical effects of caregiver stress, negative emotions take their toll, too. “Many people feel angry, resentful, sad, even fearful about being caregivers when they didn't choose it,” notes Babette Rothschild, author of
“Help for the Helper.”
“This is a natural reaction to any stressful event, so give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel.” The more you care for your own physical and emotional needs, the less these uncomfortable feelings will cloud your outlook and ruin your mood.
Self-Care Strategy: Do Something for Yourself Every Day
Go for a short walk around the block or commit to 20 minutes on the treadmill. Make (and keep) a dentist's appointment that's long overdue. Take five minutes alone with the phone off and the door shut so you can sit in complete and utter quiet. To ensure your caregiving demands don't sabotage your good intentions, try signing up for something that takes you out of the house at least once a week — a Pilates or yoga class, for instance.
