Connecting The Dots For Caregivers
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Caregivers

Wellbeing.png Emotional Health & Wellbeing

Caregivers often feel mentally and physically exhausted. Unfortunately, many caregivers don’t seek help until they are close to burnout. Nine signs of caregiver burnout:

1. Lack of energy and exhaustion
2. Feelings of tremendous guilt
3. Frequently sick, feeling unwell, anxious
4. Neglect own needs because life is dominated by caregiving
5. Difficulty relaxing even when help is available
6. Impatience, irritability
7. Feeling overwhelmed or helpless and possibly hopeless
8. Changes in sleeping or eating patterns and/or the excessive use of alcohol, cannabis and/or prescription medications
9. Unable or unwilling to ask for help

If you are feeling overwhelmed in your role as a caregiver, please speak to your healthcare provider right away.

 

A Caregiver's Perspective


As a caregiver I thought it was normal to feel tired, anxious, overwhelmed and busy. I found out after talking to my doctor that these are normal feelings, but not taking care of myself can lead to burnout and health problems of my own! After reading more about the signs of burnout, and coming more aware of the caregiving role I have begun to access supports to help me. In the past I didn’t share my feelings with my family, friends or my doctor… I thought it was my burden to carry. Since starting to share my feelings with the people around me I am feeling relief. People are starting to ask me how I am doing, and what they can do to help me. I’ve since found out that some of my friends are also caregivers and we have begun to support each other.
 

Tips for Caregivers by Caregivers


•Be honest with yourself and others. Remember you are feeling drained, because you care.

•Focus on the basics first. Is your loved one safe, clean, fed, hydrated, receiving medications and content. Then move on to specialized therapies, entertainment, short and long term planning.

•Your emotional wellness is just as important as your physical wellness.

•Remember every caregiving role is unique and does not come with a manual – be easy on yourself and others as you learn.

 

Click on the links below to find out what mental health and addictions resources are available to assist you in your caregiving role.
  • Addiction Education and Prevention
    Problematic substance use and dependence awareness programs provide information, training, and resources to educate the public about addictions and addictive behaviour.
  • Community Mental Health Programs
    Community mental health programs provide a variety of services to help support people who have ongoing mental health issues living in the community. Services offered include information and referral, case management, housing supports, ...
  • Counselling - Family, Couple, Individual
    Counselling aims at assisting people to understand and overcome or manage personal problems, such as difficulties in relationships, anger, conflict, trauma, and abuse.
  • Mental Health for Children and Youth
    Programs and services for children and youth who are experiencing challenges with their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
  • Mental Health for People with Developmental Disabilities
    Programs and services for people with developmental disabilities who are experiencing challenges with their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
  • Mental Health for Seniors
    Programs and services for older adults who are experiencing challenges with their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
  • Mental Health Peer and Family Programs
    Programs and services in this category focus on providing support to people who provide care and support to a family member or loved one with a mental illness. Support may include peer support groups, educational resources, case management ...
  • Mental Health Promotion
    Programs and services that inform, educate, and promote mental health and well-being.
  • Problem Gambling
    Services or programs that specialize in providing treatment, counselling, or support for people affected by problem gambling or related problems.
  • Smoking
    Smoking prevention programs and support services that help people to quit smoking or vaping.