Caregiver stress disorder occurs in people who care for an elderly or chronically ill person for a long time. Caregivers often give up their lives to care for the mentee, and such unlimited dedication and the overwhelming burden of responsibilities can lead to frustration and even depression over time. What is caregiver stress disorder? How do I recognize my symptoms? Is there an effective therapy?

Caregiver Stress Syndrome( CSS- Caregiver Stress Syndrome) is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that occurs in some people providing long-term care for someone who is unable to function independently - usually an elderly or chronically ill person.

Caregiver Stress Disorder - Causes

Caring for a dependent or sick person, e.g. a senior, is hard work. Such a person usually requires round-the-clock care, during which he needs help with basic activities - eating, walking, washing, and even with physiological needs. Unfortunately, this huge burden of duties usually falls on only one person - most often the spouse or child of a sick person. The guardian gives up family, social and professional life to stay at home with the person under his care - at home, which over time becomes a kind of prison.

Additionally, the environment (doctors, family, friends), which rarely supports the caregiver in this difficult task, puts enormous pressure on him, because he expects to be fully involved in the care and fulfill his duties perfectly, which is very difficult. Unfortunately, the lack of full dedication may be perceived as selfishness, a manifestation of a lack of love. Therefore, the caregiver tries to devote himself completely to his work, which is usually a task beyond his strength.

The situation is often worsened by the lack of communication with the patient, making it difficult for him to perform his duties, as well as the lack of gratitude on his part - caregivers often feel underestimated and unnoticed by the person to whom they devote themselves. The charges may sometimes have a negative attitude towards their guardian. This is especially true of dementia, Alzheimer's, or stroke.

Another important onethe factor that hinders the carer's work is the lack of financial support. The caregiver resigns from work, therefore his budget is significantly limited, and the charges' pensions and disability pensions are often not able to provide them with decent living conditions. Meanwhile, the mentee may need, among others medications, diaper pants, anti-bedsore mattress, rehabilitation equipment (which could partially relieve the caregiver), etc., which is quite expensive.

Caregiver Stress Disorder - Symptoms

At the beginning, there is anxiety related to the new situation, a feeling of loneliness, being left alone with problems (often despite previous assurances of receiving help), helplessness and hopelessness (which is caused, among others, by the lack of information about the disease and ways of dealing with the patient). The caregiver may even feel guilty that he is giving too little, that his efforts are not enough. With time, he becomes lethargic and more and more introverted.

According to research, from 11 to 52 percent people caring for sick family members suffer from depression.

The next stage is the appearance of nervousness, irritability, irritation, anger and even rage. Eventually, prolonged nervous tension leads to the development of frustration. If the caregiver does not receive help on time, depression may develop, which may endanger not only the he alth and life of himself, but also of the person under his care.

In addition, chronic stress leads to the appearance of symptoms of physical exhaustion, such as fatigue, pain - most often head, neck and back pain. Chronic stress also results in problems with sleep and concentration. It sometimes happens that the caregiver unknowingly takes over the symptoms of the mentee's illness (e.g. memory loss). It may even develop an addiction, e.g. to alcohol.

Important

Caregiver stress disorder can lead to diabetes, ulcers and heart disease

Chronic stress causes a breakdown of the body's defenses and an extreme weakening of the immune system, which results in more frequent than usual illnesses. In addition, serious diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stomach ulcers can develop.

Caregiver's stress disorder - how to deal with it?

First of all, you should be aware that the guardian cannot be locked at home with his / her child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The caregiver must have time for himself so that he can rest, relax, be physically active, talk to friends, friends, so that he can forget about the problems with whichhe struggles every day. Therefore, he needs the support of other people, for whom he should not be afraid to ask.

In addition, the caregiver has the right to feel negative emotions - towards himself and the patient. They are completely natural. It is important that he can deal with them and let them vent (e.g. during physical activity). Suppressing emotions only worsens the caregiver's mental state.

Many caregivers at the beginning of their work have little knowledge about the condition they are struggling with, which makes it difficult to perform their work. Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about this, or you can go to associations that bring together people with similar conditions.

This will be useful to you

Caregiver's stress disorder - help can be found in support groups

In some cities there are support groups, which are a form of psychological help for caregivers, and sometimes also material. They can take part in psychoeducational classes, relaxation workshops conducted by a psychologist or psychotherapist, as well as learn how to deal with stress and gain knowledge about caring for a sick person. Thanks to the meetings, the guardian gains the distance that is necessary for normal functioning with the mentee and for maintaining a he althy relationship with him. In addition, people who have a difficult financial situation, thanks to sponsors, can obtain, for example, hygiene and care products, and even rehabilitation equipment.

Category:

Psychology