Caring for your Mental Health:
Self-Care for Caregivers
Author: Alicia Alarco-Hernandez
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
VR Therapist
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Kristin Justice, LAC
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Caroline Goodhines
Maria Rice
Denise Spivey
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We’ve all heard about the importance of ‘self-care’, but it may be time to really consider how critical self-care for caregivers truly is for both the caregiver and the recipient. As a caregiver, it may be difficult to think of yourself as ‘needing’ just about anything, let alone, “me time” or “self-care”. Often, self-care doesn’t even make it to the to-do list. However, When we don’t prioritize our own needs, not only are we suffering, but so will those around us. The first step towards being mindful and intentional about self-care for caregivers is making sure that it’s no longer an option, but instead a requirement for the job as a caretaker.
Why Self-Care For Caregivers is Essential
For many caregivers, “me time” may be perceived as a selfish act, igniting feelings of guilt or shame. However, without rest and recovery, burnout, fatigue, and frustration are inevitable. And when that happens, no one is getting the best version on you. So, looking at it through the lens of recharging your battery to keep going, actually makes self-care for caregivers more of a selfless act.
The Purpose of Self-Care for Caregivers
Self-care can come in many forms, and one of the simplest is commonly referred to as “me time”. “Me time” is defined as ‘time spent relaxing on one’s own, as opposed to doing thing for others and it is seen as an opportunity to reduce stress and restore energy” (Oxford Language, 2023).
Furthermore, studies have shown that engaging in hobbies or activities that you find fulfilling increases patience, optimism and energy.(Asp, 2022).
Remember the goal is to allot time for decompression, rest, reflection and fulfilling activities. Self-care for caregivers should be unique to your needs and routine, therefore only you can determine what works for you.
Self-Care Activities for Caregivers
Self-care activities can be simple additions to your typical day. This may include 3-5 minutes to take deep breaths and focus on calming your body and slowing down your mind. Other activities may include:
- Going for a walk
- Taking a yoga class
- Simple Stretches
- Listen to music
- Journaling
- Enjoying a cup of tea
- Taking a bath
- Reading or listening to an audio book
- Meditation
- Scheduling in breaks
- Doing arts and crafts
- Gardening
- Cooking and Baking
- Meeting with friends
- Planning a trip or vacation
known benefits of self-care for caregivers
Self-care isn’t just about doing fun things. It’s about giving your mind and body and opportunity to recovery from stress. Some benefits of self care include:
- Improved concentration
- Enhanced relationships
- Increased productivity
- Increased self-refection
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased positive mood
- Increased compassion and patience
- Increased optimism and sense of hopefulness
Making self-care a part of your healthy habits, just like eating the right foods to have a healthy body, will nourish your mind for strengthened mental health.
Dealing with Burnout, Fatigue and Depression as a Caregiver
Research has shown that a lack of self-care for caregivers may lead to long term issues including depression, anxiety, as well as physical ailments such as heart disease to skin disorders (Nash, 2022). Sometimes, self-care may fall short of its promised benefits, whether that be because it was low on the priority list, or because the demands as a caregiver are enormous. Regardless, there is no shame in acknowledging that you may be burnt-out, overwhelmed or depressed. A few of the most common signs of burnout are:
- Getting easily agitated and angry on little things.
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Feeling like you’re always in a rush, or feeling behind
- Feling as if your stress levels never seem to go down.
Caregiver Compassion Fatigue VS. Caregiver Burnout
‘Burnout’ and ‘self-care’ are familiar terms, however, burnout left untreated or unattended may manifest as ‘compassion fatigue’ for individuals caring for family members or loved ones. Compassion fatigue stems from enduring another’s trauma, manifesting as a secondary traumatic stress disorder.
Caregiver compassion fatigue encompasses the symptoms of burnout, but persists beyond fatigue and stress developing into symptoms such as tension, hopelessness, pessimism and feelings of indifference towards others. This emotional investment makes family caregivers particularly susceptible to compassion fatigue, leading to a diminished empathy and care for their charges. Recognizing this shift is vital, as a significant drop in empathy or concern might necessitate a temporary withdrawal from caregiving duties. Without the appropriate mental, physical and emotional boundaries, as well as outlets, in place, caregivers may be more susceptible to compassion fatigue.
Signs Of Caregiver Compassion Fatigue
- Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
- Avoiding being with loved ones
- Decreased patience
- Outbursts of anger or frustration
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increased anxiety
- Challenges in making decisions related to care
- Sleep disruptions
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems
Self-Care for Caregivers Experiencing Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue varies from person to person, therefore the self-care routine should also be tailored to your needs. When these signs become an everyday occurrence, it’s critical to take steps to alleviate the stress. This may look similar to the self care activities we mention, or may incorporate a more therapeutic approach as outlined below:
Assess what is in your control
- Are there opportunities to make time for yourself
- Are there opportunities to ask for assistance in caretaking tasks
- Is there a barrier to setting aside personal time
- Are others willing to help
- Are you willing to accept help?
Seek Group Support
Being a caregiver can be really tough, especially when you feel alone, stressed out, or anxious.
Caregiver Stress is so prevalent, there are clinical and non-clinical group supports that are organized and designed to help caregivers manage stress and other common challenges often associated with caregiving. Often, these support groups are peer-lead, offering an opportunity for connection, validation and support.
Professional Counseling for Caregivers
Talking to a therapist can give you the push you need to look after yourself and keep going. Therapy can also help you deal with sadness, stress, and feeling lonely. It’s common for caregivers to seek to therapy due to stress, depression, burnout, anxiety and other common issues related to caregiving.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve already put in some “me time” just by reading this blog and taking into consideration your own personal needs. If you are interested in learning more about incorporating “self-care” into your routine, creating healthy self-care habits and strengthening your mental health, join us at Mind by Design Counseling for individual therapy as well as group support.
References
Asp, K. (2022). How to Claim Some “Me Time”. Find Your Calm: Managing Stress and Anxiety. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/prioritizing-time-for-yourself-for-health
Nash, S.L. (2022). 5 Signs You Need Alone Time. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/health/signs-you-need-a-little-me-time
Oxford Language. (2023). Oxford University Press.
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Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
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