If you’ve tuned into Aging Gracefully TV, you’ve probably seen interviews of inspiring and unstoppable adults, but you may not have seen how emotionally and physically exhausted the loved ones of these people may be!
This article is dedicated to those who are providing care to someone elderly, ill, or incapacitated.
This is your reminder to ask for assistance before things get too hard.
Here are 11 symptoms of compassion fatigue that you should know.
- Feelings of being disconnected from other things you love
- Feeling apathetic or less compassionate than earlier times
- Problems occurring in other relationships
- Difficult falling asleep or staying asleep
- Weight loss
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Frequent headaches
- Irritability or anxious feelings
- Chronic exhaustion (emotional and/or physical)
- Impending dread
- Guilty feelings and lack of self-confidence
Caregiving is relentlessly demanding…
even with the deepest loving feelings for the one you care for.
If the symptoms above seem familiar to you, get some help, regardless of whether your loved one approves, and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST, or you may not be there to help your loved one at all!
And, stay tuned to Aging Gracefully to view upcoming interviews with family caregivers who say it was the hardest job they’ve ever had!
Do you know someone who needs this information?
Have you ever been a caregiver for someone? Will you please share how challenging it was, in order to help someone else ask for help if they need it?