Caregivers and the Importance of Self-Care
Caregivers have a lot on their plates, and that means things like self-care can get pushed to the back-burner. It is easy for a caregiver to have a mindset of needing to put all of their time and effort into caring for their loved one. This is a misconception, however, because, in order to provide the best care, a person first needs to take care of themselves. The consequences of not practicing self-care can be detrimental and lead to the caregiver not being able to take care of their loved one. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we think it is important that we discuss the importance of caregivers taking time to care for themselves.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care focuses on taking care of your body and mind. Being a caregiver is very rewarding, but it can take a lot out of a person if they do not find ways or time to focus on other things in life. “Self-care is the necessity to do things that are good for our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being,” said Morgan Turner, who is a licensed independent Social Worker for UW Medicine. Self-care is different for each person. For some people, it can simply be taking a walk, while for others finding a support group is the best method. “Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels nourishing,” according to licensed phycologist Dr. Marni Amsellem.
Consequences of Not Practicing Self-Care
According to the Mayo Clinic, in the United States, around 1 in 3 adults are “informal” caregivers. This means they are non-medical professionals and have not received training to care for a loved one in a vulnerable state. These individuals can easily suffer from fatigue, depression, and loneliness. It is vital that caregivers take a personal assessment and note how stress affects them to prevent burnout. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Mayo Clinic each put together lists of symptoms for caregivers to watch for:
Headaches
Low energy
Upset stomach
Aches, pains, and tense muscles
Insomnia
Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
Sleeping too much or not sleeping enough
Weight loss or gain
Easily angered or irritated
Depression
Alcohol or drug abuse
Self-Care Suggestions
The number of ways a person can practice self-care is vast. Alleo Health CEO Tracy Wood hosts a podcast called Grave to Great. She recently released an episode called Caregiver Fatigue where she spoke with Alleo Health RN Juliean Borin. Borin’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, and she has been helping care for him. During the episode, she shared advice for caregivers. “What helped me the most was having a friend that I could talk to and vent to,” said Borin, “expressing your feelings and concerns with another person, journaling, and practicing your personal religious practices have all been very helpful for me.” Borin also said it is important to ask for help. Other self-care activities caregivers can consider include:
Exercise
Exploring the outdoors
Spending time with friends and family
Joining a support group
Cooking
Seeing a counselor
Where Comprehensive Care Comes In
Comprehensive Care is here to help caregivers find a balance so that they can take care of themselves and provide exceptional care to their loved ones. Our team of professional caregivers is available 24/7. Comprehensive Care of Nashville and Chattanooga offers a variety of services including companion care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, respite home care, and Parkinson’s care. From preparing meals to providing transportation to simply sitting with your loved one while you run errands, our team can assist your family in a variety of ways. Contact us today so that we can help you provide your loved one with the best care possible by helping you take care of yourself.