STRESS IS A REALITY 

Caregiver stress has emotional, physical, and behavioural dimensions. Emotional problems include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or irritable. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and changes in appetite or weight. Behavioural changes can involve social withdrawal and neglect of personal needs. Caregiving responsibilities also often invade personal time and recreation. 

Prolonged stress has cumulative effects and might lead to caregiver burnout. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. The demands, responsibilities, and emotional toll of caregiving, along with general life stress, can cause irritability and changes in sleep patterns.

Compassion fatigue stems from exposure to the trauma and suffering of the recipient of care. It results in emotional numbness, reduced empathy, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and detachment from the person being cared for. 

Giving care to those who need care is a humane mission. To provide the best care possible, the caregiver will also need care.