Caregiver Stress: Are You in Denial?

caregiver stress

Denial leads to caregiving burnout

Denying that you need help is a major reason for caregiver burnout. Many caregivers are convinced that they’ve got their situation handled. No matter how difficult things get, they can manage without any help, thank you very much.

The problem? Before you know it, you’ve gained 10 pounds, feel stressed all the time, and resent your older adult for taking over your life.

Every caregiver needs the help and support of a caregiving team or they’ll start suffering from poor health, depression, extreme fatigue, chronic stress, and other serious conditions. If you’re in denial, you can’t get the help you need and deserve.

 

Denial vs positive thinking

It’s important to think positively and have a good attitude about caregiving. But how do you know if you’re crossing the line into denial?

We found an article that describes the difference between denial and positive thinking for family caregivers. Here are the 5 best clues that you might be in denial about your caregiving situation.

 

5 clues that you’re in denial

There are several clear signs that you’ve crossed the line from positive thinking into the land of denial. Here are 5 we feel are the most common for caregivers.

  1. You feel resentful.
  2. Your health is getting worse as a result of the stress.
  3. People say: “You know, you really could use some help.”
  4. You think:  “I have no one to help me.”
  5. Your world has shrunk down so much that you only have yourself and your older adult. There’s nobody else in your lives.

 

Bottom line

If you’ve been feeling or saying things that signal you’re getting burned out, it’s time to be brutally honest with yourself. It’s time to put together a plan to get the help you need. Whether it’s in-home care, counseling, or placement into a living facility isn’t important.

The important thing is to recognize when you’re in denial so you can get out of it and take action to improve the situation.

 

Next Step  Read the full article at Psychology Today

 

By DailyCaring Editorial Staff
Image: AthleteCell

 

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7 Comments

  • Reply February 8, 2021

    Eleanor

    Caregiving is known as a career that is rewarding and at the same time fulfilling. There are many challenges associated with being a caregiver, making it one of the toughest jobs. Although caregiving can have many rewards, it can still cause you much stress— emotional, mental, and physical stress.

    • Reply February 8, 2021

      DailyCaring

      Very true, it can be both stressful and rewarding.

  • Reply October 31, 2016

    Marathon John D Gaffney

    I don t think/care if I’m in denial My Mom is more important to me;I lost my Dad 7+yrs on my birthday 10/25//2009;my mom & dad sacrificed their lives for me ;so I ve got to do the same thing for my Mom!! The saying goes; U only have 1 set of parents ;so they bring U into this (Uncaring ;cold/cruel world) ;they can also take U out of this world ;also!!

    • Reply November 1, 2016

      DailyCaring

      It’s wonderful that you’re dedicated to caring for your mom. However that doesn’t mean that you won’t feel stress or any other negative emotions. These are completely normal parts of caregiving. The point is to notice you’re feeling this way so you can get more support. You’ll never be stress-free as a caregiver, but you can reduce the amount of stress or reduce its effect on you.

  • Reply September 2, 2016

    Mary Garvey

    Some very good practical choices to cover needs of older people & people with various forms of Dementia.
    Thank- you

    • Reply September 2, 2016

      Connie Chow

      Thank you, we’re so glad our articles are helpful!

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