Topic Tuesday // Self Care for Carers // Tues 20th July, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

[TideisTurning]

That is so hard @bipolarbunny and it sounds also like you've had some really invalidating comments, which wouldn't help! The Carer Gateway may be able to provide some more options and helpful support for you to explore what options might be available. Remeber to take care of yourself also! 😊 

[Mindy911]

✨I can so relate to that, whats the familly connections program?

[Shaz51]

Yes I agree @Windflowers 

The Sane forums for carers have been wonderful help and support to me and to learn how to help my husband MI and my mum more 

[Mindy911]

✨Taking note✨Love this✨Thank you for sharing✨

[Daisydreamer]

Question 4 for @Shaz51 and the community:
When we do feel like we are at that point of burnout, what does it look like or feel like?

And what things do you do to manage in those moments?

[Shaz51]

What are the symptoms of carer fatigue?
• Feeling tired and lethargic, even after sleeping
• Being more irritable, impatient and short-tempered than usual
• Having difficulty switching off and relaxing
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Feeling anxious, tearful, hopeless or depressed
• Neglecting yourself, e.g. your personal care and emotional needs
• Over-eating or not eating enough
• Sleep disturbance
• Succumbing to illnesses more often than usual
• Drinking more alcohol to cope with feelings of stress
• Feeling that your caring role has taken over your life or that it has become a chore
• Taking your frustrations out on the person you care for

14 Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
• Lack of energy
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Sleep problems (too much or too little)
• Changes in eating habits; weight loss or gain
• A feeling of hopelessness
• Withdrawing from, or losing interest in, activities you once enjoyed
• Neglecting your own physical and emotional needs
• Feeling like caregiving is controlling your life
• Becoming unusually impatient, irritable or argumentative with the person you’re caring for and/or with others
• Anxiety about the future
• Depression or mood swings
• Difficulty coping with everyday things
• Headaches, stomach-aches, and other physical problems
• Lowered resistance to illness

[znp]

@bipolarbunny What does your mum say about your brothers not helping? If anything?

[bipolarbunny]

Thanks @TideisTurning  I will check them out. I feel like some days I am drowning. 

BB 🐰💙

[Mindy911]

✨Excellent tips✨I have copied and pasted into my notes to refer to✨Thank you✨

[Hal1]

Burnout feels like complete inability to function. There is no 'me' in my life and I am just getting through the day not participating or noticing anything.