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Burnout Is Real— and Preventable
Burnout happens when care demands go beyond what one person can, on their own, reasonably provide. It’ s more than being tired or mentally drained; it’ s a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that occurs when stress reaches a harmful level.
When a care partner burns out, the only solution is to get support and relief— whether through additional help in the home, an extended break through respite or a move for their loved one outside of the home.
Tips to Prevent Burnout
The goal is, of course, to prevent burnout. Doing so requires regular, honest check-ins with yourself and with others, and making changes in the day-to-day structure as needed.
Know the signs of burnout. Common symptoms of burnout include:
+ Waking up exhausted even after a full night’ s sleep.
+ Increased irritability or a short fuse.
+ A lack of motivation and a sense of hopelessness.
+ Withdrawing from family, friends or social obligations.
+ Physical symptoms like headaches or changes in appetite.
+ What do I need to do to care for myself?
+ What do I need to keep caring for my loved one? More help? Different help?
Get in touch with your feelings. There are no good or bad feelings, but some( like anger or bitterness) are more negative. We might push those feelings aside, hoping that they’ ll go away. Instead, they’ re expressed through behavior, mood or other changes— ultimately leading to burnout. It’ s important to name your feelings and work through them with a therapist, support group or other helpful resource.
Recognize the importance of rest. Don’ t expect yourself to do everything, especially not alone or to the highest standards. Think of it like exercise: To build strength and stamina, you must let your body rest. Recovery is just as important as work. Allow yourself to take breaks by taking advantage of respite care. If you don’ t take a break, your body will eventually force you to do so.
Speak up. At each doctor’ s appointment, make it a point to share not just how your loved one is doing, but also how you are( or aren’ t) managing at home. Staying on top, and ahead, of home care needs can get you support— sometimes even before you know you need it. The care team can also guide you toward additional resources for now or the future, such as additional in-home care or alternative living arrangements.
+ Unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking too much, drug use or overeating.
Check in with yourself regularly. Every morning or at least once a week, ask:
+ How am I feeling, physically and emotionally?
+ How am I managing stress? What are the ways it’ s showing up? What tools are working or not working?
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