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CAREGIVING
Taking Care of Yourself
As a care partner, caring for yourself will ensure you have more energy and personal reserves to care for another. When traveling by air and preparing for takeoff flight attendants instruct passengers that in case of emergency and changes in cabin pressure that you should first put on your own mask before helping others, such as your children. You must have lasting oxygen to be of service. Similarly, by caring for yourself you will have more energy and personal reserves to care for a care receiver.
Compassion fatigue
Compassion fatigue is an immediate warning sign that you need to take better care of yourself, and is experienced as a result of over-exposure with and/or over-identification with the suffering of another. We long to fix the situation. When we can’t change the reality, we become frustrated, angry, and in despair. Compassion fatigue can result in physical, chronic ailments such as gastrointestinal problems, recurrent colds, headaches, weakened immune system and insomnia.
KNOW THE SYMPTOMS
Behavioral Signs
- Bottled up emotions that may erupt in displays of anger or irritability
- Substance abuse
- Poor self-care – neglecting personal hygiene and personal health issues
- Difficulties concentrating and making decision
Psychological Signs
- Emotional exhaustion and isolation from others
- Apathy, sadness, no longer finding activities pleasurable
- Negative self-image and self-doubt. Feelings of being a terrible caregiver
- Anger, possibly at the care receiver, frequently followed by guilt
- Depression and/or loss of hope
Preventing or Overcoming Compassion Fatigue
The first step to preventing or overcoming compassion fatigue is to recognize and acknowledge that you are a candidate for compassion fatigue.
- Be kind to yourself
- Develop a healthy support system: people who contribute to your self-esteem and validate your feelings. Avoid negative individuals.
- Stay connected to the outside world with at least a phone call every day or outside activity every day
- Ask yourself, “What difference does it make?” Reserve your energy for worthy causes and activities
- Ask for help. People want to help. Let them know how they can help. Make a short list of specific tasks you need help with and share this list with family and friends
We’re Here to Help
Contact our Licensed
Clinical Social Worker
via phone: 303-861-1810
via email: cfriedman@parkinsonrockies.org
