Stress and burnout resources for family and caregivers
The emotional and physical impact can lead to caregiver stress and burnout over time. Learn to recognize and manage the signs.
The emotional and physical impact can lead to caregiver stress and burnout over time. Learn to recognize and manage the signs.
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that sometimes happens when you’re taking care of someone else.
Feeling sad, scared, guilty, angry, or alone is common for many caregivers.
Over 41 million Americans offer unpaid care to a loved one.
Caregivers spend an average of 22.3 hours a week providing care.
Over 60% of caregivers report symptoms of burnout.
Emotional symptoms include:
Physical symptoms include:
Causes of caregiver burnout include:
Delegating responsibilities can be difficult, but it's a necessary way to maintain your wellbeing. Ask family and friends for help with specific caregiving tasks so they know exactly how to help.
Your support system doesn't need to be a big group. It can be just a person you trust — a friend, family member, or a peer from a support group. The idea is that you have someone you can talk to about your feelings and frustrations.
Self-care is essential for caregivers to prevent burnout. Schedule a time each day to do something you really enjoy such as reading, crafts, or gardening. Even 15 minutes a day is good for your wellbeing.
If you are struggling with balancing your job and caregiving duties, talk to your employer. The FMLA requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for employees to care of a seriously ill family member.
Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and find time to exercise. Don't forget to keep up with you own appointments, medications, and screenings.
If you're having trouble coping as a caregiver, you may need to seek professional help. Talk with your doctor about finding a counselor.
When you need support, information, or just someone to listen, we are here for you:
Whether personally impacted by colorectal cancer (CRC), supporting a loved one, or dedicated to educating and empowering others, these downloadable and printable resources can help.
Don Shippey was 55 years old in 2016 when he decided he’d been putting off his colonoscopy long enough.
Pets can be an incredible source of comfort and joy for anybody but, for cancer patients, pet therapy can provide emotional and psychological support to enhance a person’s overall well-being.