LLT

#compassionfatigue #caregiverburnout #familycaregivers #emotionalhealth #emotionalrollercoasters #anxietyanddepression #familydynamics #dementiacare #dementiasupport #seekhelp

You have cared and cared, and taken care of- and now you can care NO MORE!😩😩

COMPASSION FATIGUE may be defined this way:

"When a caregiver takes on the emotional stress and trauma of a person within their care. It causes a lack of empathy (understanding the feelings and situations of someone else) or a lack of care for the person within your care."

Some signs and symptoms:

4 PHYSICAL:

1/🕯️Changes in sleep patterns - especially unable to get or stay asleep
2/🕯️ Physical exhaustion- you feel listless
3/ 🕯️Changes in appetite and/or weight. (increased or decreased)
4/ 🕯️Unexplained headaches- notably. a throbbing" sensation top, sides or forehead

4 EMOTIONAL

1/ 🕯️Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones - you just don't want to talk to anyone - you DISCONNECT, especially if you feel no one cares
2/🕯️Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed - don't have the energy to care
3/ 🕯️Feeling hopeless and helpless, irritable; (and yes, even resentment towards the person you care for angry, sad, guilty😡😤😒🥹
4/ 🕯️You self-neglect in many ways - you may see no point, or could not care for how people see you- it doesn't matter😔

What CAN you do?

4 WAYS TO COPE:

1/ 😊Be AWARE of your feelings- it happens- it's normal ; NOTHING is "wrong with you"💓
2/ 😊🫂TALK- share how you feel with a trusted friend who maybe able to offer suggestions , or even practical assistance. The BEST "Listener " is GOD, -pray and pray and pray!
3/ 💃🏽🚶🏽🏃🏽🎽👟EXERCISE- even 5 minutes a day- go to the bathroom just to take some deep breaths!
4/ 😊🫂CONNECT! with friends- Facetime, a phone call, or invite for a cup of tea- whatever you do , you need to be with "your tribe"

💥💥Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). Someone is available to help you 24/7. Seek your local hotline crisis centre if you feel so overwhelmed that you are considering self harm.

When you have been thrust into this role and feel that all your best efforts at the daily grind is more than you can bear, compassion fatigue is a condition that NEEDS help; it is more than just "feeling tired".

The "superhero cape" needs to come off and it's time for YOU.

You got this!
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana

Main research tools:

1/ https://herohealth.com/blog/caregivin...

2/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health...
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Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧[email protected]
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15-minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:
lanaslittlethings.com
If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email [email protected] - or on www.lanaslittlethings.com
I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯