Caregivers – How to release stress?

When it comes to taking care of the elderly or dying, caregivers are usually the ones we contact for help. This is usually when we cannot handle the stress that comes in taking care of our loved ones or if the patient themselves have no family to take care of them. The difference between us and the caregiver is that we have a choice and they don’t because it’s their job. Imagine how stressed out they are. They are taking care of different patients for a period of time, get to know them, witness how they are until the very end, and even help them with their funeral planning. The emotional and physical strain that they get from caregiving can take many forms. Caregivers can experience frustration and anger, guilt, feeling lonely, and exhausted.

It is important to release stress as this will seriously affect every aspect of your life. It can even lead to serious health problems. Therefore, take charge by simply acknowledging that you are stressed out instead of worrying all the time and feeling helpless. Don’t be afraid to ask and accept help. Don’t be afraid to say no to any requests that drains you. Remember that you are doing the best that you can and that you are not perfect. Identify the things that you can and you cannot change. Have realistic goals, organize everything, and join support groups for caregivers or spend time with your family and friends. These will help you in preventing yourself from getting into depression. Take a break if you have to in order to maintain the quality of work and your sanity as well.

Most caregivers share a special bond with their patients since they spend most of their time with them. This makes the job even harder and more stressful as they tend to sympathize with their patients. With the bond that they share, sometimes it is difficult for caregivers to go to the funeral services of all of the patients that they had. Therefore, releasing stress for this type of work is essential as this will really affect them in the end.