What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is what happens to someone when they are the sole caretaker of someone with a disability. In this case, it can be an autistic child, other type of family member or even a friend.

Burnout can be shown as mental exhaustion, physical exhaustion and even financial exhaustion.

Symptoms can also include:

  • depression

  • detachment

  • anxiety

  • lack of sleep

  • self-neglect

  1. Self-Care

When our lives are dedicated to helping someone else, often times we forget ourselves and our most basic needs.

Self-care is much more than beauty- it is taking care of yourself.

  • Remembering to buy things for yourself- yes, you deserve that pair of shoes!

  • Starting new hobbies, or continuing old ones (reading, video games, painting)

  • Setting a bubble bath with relaxing music

  • Finally scheduling that doctor’s appointment you have been putting off

Afterall, it is important to take care of yourself if you are caring for someone else.

2. Exercise

While still in the realm of self-care, I felt it needed it's own section for the benefits alone

Working out, whether it is cardio, weight lifting, yoga, etc. is a great way to de-stress yourself. Hormones, such as dopamine (pleasure), endorphins (euphoria) and serotonin (happiness) are all released when you are exercising.

Often times, it can be hard to get alone time to do these things. Including your loved one is a great way to look after yourself, and still incorporating bonding time as well:

  • Hiking trails. Several hiking apps exist where you can include keywords such as “easy,” “kid-friendly,” “wheelchair friendly.” I personally use AllTrails.

  • Sports

  • Scavenger Hunts- looking for types of animals, plants, bugs, etc.

  • Playgrounds, no matter the age. Be sure to look for accessible playgrounds if that is a need as well.

3. Setting Personal Goals

Life can be hectic and sometimes all we can do is survive. Believe me- I have been there. In order to not become overwhelmed and stuck in a rut, it is important we remember to think for the future, as well.

Many of us who are caregivers to someone with autism knows the importance of routine and repetitiveness. Afterall, routine sets us up for success, keeps us on schedule and provides us structure. That being said, it is extremely easy to be trapped in a routine too.

The reason having personal goals outside of caregiving, parenting or advocating is important, is so you don’t lose your individuality. You are all of those things, but you are still you. Burnout is inevitable if you forget about yourself and if you spread yourself too thin.

Is there something you have always dreamed of, but you had to put it on hold?

We can’t always help it, since we are trying our best to be there for someone else 24/7. Talk to family and friends if you need to, or find an online or in-person support group, because you are not alone.