Topic Tuesday // Burnout // 24 Jan. 7pm AEDT

[purpledahl]

I'm returning to teaching after five years.

I think something that will be so important for the sake of not only my mental health but also for my family which I didn't do before will be to set boundaries for myself and my workplace. Teaching is one of those careers that demand so much of outside time.

[Tanoozle]

Thanks for the tips. I did contact carergateway about 6 months ago and didn't seem to get far. At the time I was looking for training especially in manual handling. I was advised to watch YouTube videos, which were helpful but don't give hands on experience I that I don't go and hurt myself whilst trying to assist. I've now been advised to just call an ambulance but that feels so extreme. Further trading was available but targeted at those caring for people with dementia and well I'm in a different situation and I was also advised that I might not get what I was looking for.
In all it left me feeling frustrated that I was in a niche ( child caring for parent who is cognitively fine) I know I'm not in a unique situation but I was left feeling a little isolated.

[Former-Member]

Draining is a word that lots of carers use @Tory.  It seems particularly appropriate.  Because your energy and concern is always going outwards so you end up drained yourself. 

Are you saying that you're in caring roles at home and work Tory?  That's a particularly tough situation.

Thanks for raising respite care.  I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble getting your loved one to agree.  It can be a wonderful thing have to have consolidated time out. 

I wonder if anyone is accessing respite care?

[Tanoozle]

That said, I'll give it another go, after all it was at least six months ago 🙂

[Former-Member]

Good plan @Tanoozle.  Sometimes it's just about getting the right person at the end of the phone.  That can be a bit of a lottery.  If you feel you haven't been sufficiently helped again, give us a call at SANE and we'll see what else we can find for you.

[Tory]

After previously working in aged care without any daily breaks for eight years I am finding that the burnout from that work has overflowed into my current carer role which is full time and live in. Breaks are few and far between. Whilst attempting to do an online dual diploma it is quite challenging as interuptions are a regular occurance. Outings to the shops or watering the garden are like breaks for me. Church on Sunday is a must for an hour of "me time". There is no such thing as a day off in a full time caring role. Respite is out of the question as it is expected that I am here as her carer and that is that. Respite has been suggested in the past but my client does not feel the need for respite care while I am here. This defeats the purpose of respite so I try to get mini breaks if I can. Meal preparation is a huge part of the caring role. The breakfast, the morning tea, the lunch, the afternoon tea and then the dinner. Not to mention all the other daily chores. No wonder I cant get my studies done. I am tired just thinking about it. 

[GlassHalfFull]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to say hello and thank Sane Forums for this Topic Tuesday. Having it in my calender as a event was helpful in itself! Some time I blocked out to reflect, learn from others and acknowledge in some way the relentless effort caring for someone with a mental illness has on us. 

Its been 12 months since my daughter's 'breakdown' (years in the making though) and I'm burnt out. There I admit it. 

Who am I? What do I do besides work and care for her? It's all new.

[Former-Member]

Yes @purpledahl, boundaries. That's exactly right.  That's the other thing that would have made a difference for me.  Knowing when enough is enough.  How are you going at enforcing your boundaries? 

[Pepsimax]

I am not going well most of the time lately nothing going right I put a mask that everything is ok but its not it's good to have the forum I can be honest here feel like crying but no tears

[GlassHalfFull]

@Tanoozle Perhaps try a community / outpatient referral to an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherpist for a home assessment  targeting manual handing training. It is certainly a valid requirement that they should cover for free. Contact your local health service is my suggestion 🙂