Tips for managing irritability as a caregiver

They say patience has its limits, but when we are responsible for the care and health of a family member, it will be necessary to exercise tolerance beyond our capabilities.

Are you tired and irritable? Then you could be suffering from Caregiver Burnout Syndrome , and one of its symptoms is quickly losing patience. This can be due to excessive responsibilities , insufficient sleep, physical exhaustion, among other factors.

Is there a way to channel our anger and not get angry with those around us , especially those who cannot take care of themselves and need us?

Below, we'll give you some tips to help you manage irritability when you have family members in your care.

Do you care for a family member full-time?

In this article, we will refer to people who care for their loved ones, such as parents, children, siblings, in-laws, etc. Caregivers who, while they do so with great care, also do so without pay, without rest, and often without the necessary resources or adequate infrastructure.

That's why it's important to understand that the situation can become complicated and highly stressful for a caregiver . This is especially true when patients suffer from complex conditions, such as functional disability, neurodegenerative diseases, terminal illnesses, and others.

Despite this situation, the caregiver tries to move forward, trying to overcome all kinds of obstacles. However, it's likely that their body will take its toll at some point, and they'll need to pay attention to certain symptoms.

What is caregiver overwhelm syndrome?

In 1974, American psychologist Herbert Freudenberg used this expression to diagnose the exhaustion experienced by people dedicated to caring for drug addicts.

 Three years later, psychologist Cristina Masiach expanded its scope, defining it as a syndrome of physical and emotional exhaustion that can affect those who care for others continuously and for long periods of time.

Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout Syndrome

If you're overwhelmed as a caregiver, you may be experiencing one or more of these symptoms.

• Constant tiredness that doesn't go away, even if you sleep for several hours.
• Sleep disorders , ranging from insomnia, night walking to nightmares.
• Social isolation , due to not seeing friends, doing activities, or leaving home.
• Lack of interest in new experiences or meeting new people.
• Decreased libido or lack of sexual interest
• Distance from one's partner or inability to form a lasting emotional bond.
• Resentment of other people's happiness , for not having the freedom to have one's own social life.
• Abandonment of personal image, due to decreased self-esteem.
• Abandonment of hobbies, there is no longer time to do anything other than take care of the family.
• Physical pain, without, apparently, having any health problems.
• Sadness and hopelessness, due to everything mentioned above.
• Taking medication for anxiety or depression.
• High levels of stress and anxiety that worsen certain symptoms mentioned above.
• Increasing irritability and a sense of despair from feeling trapped, or burdened with someone else's life.

How to prevent caregiver syndrome?

It is important to detect the first symptoms of this syndrome.

Understanding that overload is not good

Our intentions for our loved ones are positive and an act of love. If we've committed to their care, it's because we're truly willing to do so.

However, we must understand that we cannot carry another person's life 100% of the time in addition to our own; it is not physically possible. Therefore, we must find a balance so we can meet our loved one's needs without neglecting our own health.

Asking family for help

It's important to know our limits, respect our physical and mental integrity, and know when to ask for help. The idea is to be able to begin delegating some obligations and lighten a heavy load.

We can talk to other family members , explain that the situation is overwhelming us, and find a solution together, such as professional home care or residential care.

Try to ensure that our lives do not revolve entirely around the person we care for.

Finding time for yourself is a difficult task, but not impossible. While we must be present with the person we care for, we must also make time for our personal lives , such as recreational activities and rest.

Taking care of ourselves so we can take care of others

Resting and indulging in little treats is part of taking care of ourselves . If we're not well, we can't take care of anyone else . There are products that can help us relax at home. But there are also items for our family members that could make the task of caregiving easier.

Promote patient autonomy

To the extent that the patient is able, has the energy, and is in a safe, accident-free environment, they should be encouraged to perform activities on their own so they can gain independence and confidence.

Have realistic expectations regarding our family member's health

It's not about being pessimistic, but rather the opposite: about embracing the present with optimism and giving our loved one quality time and well-being.

In many cases, an older adult's condition will be degenerative and progressive , meaning their condition will not improve, even with the best care.

In any case, we will do everything possible to ensure that he is in the best possible condition until his last day. Therefore , please try to give him lots of love and understanding, as well as care and dignity, during his lifetime .

What did you think of these tips? Do you think you could improve your stress and irritability by taking any of these points into account and reflecting on them?

Remember that your health, recreation, and rest will be the three fundamental pillars for being able to perform as a caregiver, but also for being an emotionally stable person with the energy to face any challenge.

Good luck! We send you our best wishes from Theramart.