Why Therapy for Caretakers is More Important Than Ever
Posted: December 1, 2020
Research has shown that roughly 80% of long-term care in this country is provided by family members. Many of these caregivers have their own families to look after and may also be holding down at least one job.
In addition, family caregivers have been shown to ignore their own health and wellness needs. This often leads to caregiver burnout, which is typically defined as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Caregivers who reach this burnout stage often experience stress, fatigue, sadness, grief, isolation guilt, anxiety, and depression.
Some other symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
- Withdrawing from others
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Feeling irritable and helpless
- Changes in appetite, weight, or both
- Changes in sleep
- Compromised immune system
- Extreme fatigue
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs