Aging with RAZ

Do you know what burnout feels like?

None of us have superhuman abilities. We are human, have specific talents, and limits to our strength and resources. Caregiving for someone with dementia isn’t easy.

The Signs of Burnout — If you notice any of the following, reach out for help:
➡️ Sleep changes, including trouble sleeping for more than two weeks or frequent nightmares.
➡️ Mood changes, such as irritability, impatience, mood swings, anxiety, resentment, or intense stress.
➡️ Difficulty concentrating, exhaustion, or feeling unable to cope.
➡️ Physical symptoms, including sugar cravings, weight changes, digestive issues, aches, pain, headaches, or other health problems.
➡️ Overreacting to minor incidents.
➡️ Using alcohol, recreational drugs, tobacco, vaping, or pain relievers to cope.
➡️ Loss of interest, joy, compassion, or hope; feeling like a failure, isolated, trapped, or wanting to run away.
➡️ Frequent crying, sadness, or thoughts of suicide.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline:
Call 988 for help, USA and Canada. Includes the deaf and hard of hearing.

To text:
In the USA text HELLO to 988 or message online https://988lifeline.org/.
In Canada text CONNECT to 686868 or message online https://988.ca.

Wait for a volunteer crisis responder to receive the text or message and let you know they are there to support you.

The Impossible Promise:
You have made time in your schedule for respite, but there may come a time when you can no longer manage caregiving without additional help. You may also feel guilty because your loved one made you promise never to put her in a nursing home or never to let her get “that way.” In many cases, that is the impossible promise.

None of us have superhuman abilities. Asking for and receiving more help will help you survive caregiving.