At one point or another, many people find themselves taking care of a loved one in need. While this experience can be rewarding and ensure your family member gets the quality of care they need, it also introduces unique stressors. As you aim to juggle your ongoing responsibilities as a caregiver, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Taking care of yourself is essential, as you can’t care for others if you’re unwell yourself. Here’s what you can do to make sure your own needs are met, too.

Watch for Signs of Burnout

Burnout is exhaustion on an emotional, physical, and mental level. It can occur when your responsibilities pile up, you become overwhelmed, and both your health and that of your loved one can suffer as a result. While some stress is to be expected as you care for another individual, it’s important to recognize how this can differ from actual burnout.

Stress can lead to irritability, feeling run-down, difficulty focusing, resentment, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking or smoking. These symptoms often precede those of burnout, which can include a sharp decrease in energy, neglecting your own needs, difficulty relaxing, and feelings of hopelessness.

How to Help Yourself

While taking on a caregiver role will always be associated with some degree of stress, there are ways you can continue to support your own mental health. Focusing on what remains in your control, including the decisions you make each day, is one way to feel less overwhelmed by your circumstances. You can also make time for activities you find rewarding or enjoyable. Additionally, if you can’t divvy up responsibilities with another family member, consider respite care so you can take occasional breaks. Even a short break could be enough to replenish your mental health and come back to your duties feeling refreshed.

While there are lifestyle tips you can use to manage the stress of providing care for a loved one, there may also come a time when you need to speak with a professional to ensure your mental health isn’t overlooked. In these cases, Sondra Sexton-Jones is here for you. Serving Juneau, AK, this licensed counselor has supported families, individuals, and couples experiencing anxiety, grief, and trauma for more than 25 years. Find out more about her caring and supportive approach online, or schedule an appointment by calling (907) 586-3313.