While caregiving in itself is a noble job to be undertaken. It does have a few emotional downsides to it if certain considerations are not taken. A noteworthy point is that taking care of someone else doesn’t reduce the necessity to take care of oneself. One must look after one’s mental and physical health seriously too. What makes a caregiver stressed? Read this article to know more.
Caregiver stress: Reasons behind it
Caregiver may face stress at any point of their job or even when being out of their shift timing. They may caring for their own or within the community. Several things can be taken into considerations, it sums up as these two now:
Uncertainties
In the case of patients with critical conditions, emergency situations can appear anytime. These uncertainties and risk factors necessitate caregivers to always keep themselves available. They can’t usually take breaks from this task, and they don’t have any formal holidays. There is no fixed time when the care-receiving person would need help. Assistance for going to the washroom or need to provide medications. Taking to the hospital during emergencies or changing clothes after uncontrolled release of stool. All this can happen at any time be it day or night. For these, a caregiver may not have enough time for their own. Their sleep schedule may not be proper (a question to sleep hygiene) and they need to prioritise caregiving above any other activity. All these factors fuel stress.
Overwhelming responsibilities
Caregivers are held responsible for the betterment and deterioration of a patient’s condition both by others and themselves. There’s a lot to remember and act on as the caregiver of a critical patient or baby. This includes timings of medication that too with proper dosage. While caregiving to babies and people with certain disabilities, caregivers need to always be attentive of their movements. Even the slightest negligence can result in a huge aftermath. All the responsibilities that a caregiver is accountable for taken together can result in a significant amount of stress. There are cases where the caregiver is a family member. Besides caring for their loved ones they also finance the medical expenses. Such scenarios are prone to the highest degree of stress.
What strategies can employers implement to reduce the stress of caregivers employed by them?
It is required that, the employers also notice the stressful work environment of the caregivers and how there can be a standard coping mechanism that allows them to sustain further. Dr Harshil Shah, Psychiatrist, B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat says, “To reduce stress during the job, the following steps can be implemented by employers:
- Make mental health self-assessment tools available to all employees.
- Employers should offer free or subsidised clinical screenings for depression from a qualified mental health professional to all employees.
- Employees can share personal experiences with other co-employees to help reduce stigma and vent out their stress which may lead to better mental health.
- Employers should thrive on offering a good work-life balance rather than keeping their hold on the employees beyond work timings.”
How can caregiver stress be managed?
Here are some ways by which you can ensure that you don’t get too stressed out while being a caregiver.
Basic measures for self-care
- Stay Connected: Talk to your close friends and relatives. Ensure that the person you are serving is not the only person you are in regular touch with. Listen to other people’s stories and share your experiences, this will ensure that your emotions are channelised.
- Practice Relaxation Exercise: Try to keep yourself relaxed by practising meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and stretching daily.
- Self-care: Always be aware of your physical and mental state. If you ever feel too stressed out mentally do visit a psychologist and take professional help.
“In order to reduce stress, caregivers need to prioritise self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support. Mindfulness practices, time management and regular exercise can also help. Employers or family members can support caregivers by providing resources and promoting a respectful environment for them,” says Dr Madhu Vamsi, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist, Hyderabad.
Ensuring balance and professionalism
- Understand your limitations: Take help from others whenever needed. It’s important to understand that you cannot do everything yourself. Neither are you responsible for everything. Despite your efforts to give the highest standard of service. A patient’s health can deteriorate due to several internal factors.
- Find time for yourself: It’s important that you take some time out for yourself whenever possible. You must not give up your hobbies, rather harness them more if you have undertaken caregiving. A busy and innovative mind is less prone to stress and depression.
Caregiving is integral part of health industry and it deserves the respects and empathy for the dedication and patience it asks for. However, the degree of responsibility it demands might also result in caregiver stress and depression. A caregiver often becomes too attached to the person he is serving. In cases where the care-receiving person faces death, the effects on the caregiver become very severe. It’s important to ensure that people taking care of others are taken care of by themselves and others as well.
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