Carer’s fatigue is one of the least discussed phenomenon in the area of caregiving until recently. Whether paid or unpaid, all caregivers experience agonising moments sometimes lasting more than just a few days. Carer’s fatigue, also known as caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue, is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion experienced by individuals who care for a loved one, friend, or family member with a chronic illness, disability, or mental health condition.
Causes
Chronic stress: The constant demands of caregiving can lead to chronic stress, which can cause fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
Lack of boundaries: Caregivers often put their loved one’s needs before their own, leading to an imbalance in their own physical and emotional needs.
Social isolation: Caregivers may experience social isolation due to the demands of caregiving, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It is often hard to socialise when involved in caregiving.
Lack of support: Insufficient support from family, friends, or healthcare professionals can exacerbate caregiver fatigue.
Symptoms
Physical exhaustion: Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical pain.
Emotional exhaustion: Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Mental exhaustion: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and decreased cognitive function.
Loss of identity: Caregivers may feel like they’ve lost their sense of identity or purpose outside of caregiving.Some have put their careers on hold to care for their loved ones. Such sacrifices can impact one’s mental health.
Consequences
Decreased quality of care: Caregiver fatigue can lead to decreased quality of care for the loved one.
Strained relationships: Caregiver fatigue can strain relationships with family and friends. Sometimes, you may ignore calls when you have to handle crisis or a difficult situation with your ailing loved one. Some calls can also cause distress for the individual being cared for. Hence, it is important to be sensitive to a caregiver.
Poor physical and mental health: Caregiver fatigue can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes for the caregiver.
Burnout and compassion fatigue: Prolonged caregiver fatigue can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.
Prevention and management
Seek support: Connect with family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals.
Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and prioritise self-care.
Take breaks: Taking regular breaks and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can prove to be beneficial in the long run.
Prioritise self-care: Engage in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Seek respite care: Utilise respite care services to provide temporary relief from caregiving duties.
