Caregiver Burnout: What It Is, Symptoms & Prevention

Key findings used in wiki

• Signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout include emotional and physical exhaustion, withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep, trouble concentrating, getting sick more often, and irritability, frustration, or anger toward others.
• If at any time a caregiver feels overwhelmed, needs someone to talk to, or is thinking about hurting themselves or suicide, Cleveland Clinic instructs calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.), available 24/7.
• If burnout causes resentment toward the person being cared for, or the caregiver feels they may be hurting that person, Cleveland Clinic instructs reaching out for help immediately, naming a friend or family member, a healthcare provider, a social worker, or a mental health professional as options.
• Caregiver burnout is common (more than 60% of caregivers report some symptoms), and in rare, severe cases the extreme stress and depression it causes can become life-threatening to caregivers.