Do I Have the Symptoms of Chronic Stress?

Aging adults frequently develop illnesses or diseases that limit their ability to live by themselves in their homes, but they may not yet be ready for the next step. This can mean they need in-home care from family caregivers. Caring for an aging loved one can bring even the most adept family caregiver into a high stress situation. When their aging loved ones need assistance with daily tasks, family caregivers step in and help as needed.

All too often, family caregivers assume they can handle everything themselves and end up spreading themselves too thin. Without regular breaks for family caregivers to take some time for themselves, they are on track to develop chronic stress and caregiver burnout. Unless they recognize the common signs and symptoms of chronic stress, they will not be able to take steps to reduce it in their lives. Here are just some of the symptoms of chronic stress as it often manifests in family caregivers:

Frequent Mood Swings

When family caregivers experience mood swings more often, it could be a sign of mounting stress. While everyone moves from one mood to another, mood swings are more serious and more severe. Family caregivers may find themselves uncontrollably angry, frustrated, sad or irritated in disproportionate amounts.

Ignoring Personal Care

When family caregivers ignore the health and wellness activities that give them the energy and strength to get through the day, they run the risk of damaging their health. Without important personal care factors such as good nutrition, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, personal hygiene and more, family caregivers might have a hard time meeting the demands of their aging loved one or have the energy to do what they must.

Social Isolation

One of the sure signs of chronic stress is when family caregivers stay away from social activities, especially ones that once gave them pleasure. As the demands from the aging loved one grow, the opportunities for socializing shrink. Studies show that time spent with friends and family is a sure stress-buster, but unfortunately social outings are one of the first things to go.

Family caregivers that recognize some of the symptoms of chronic stress can alleviate a lot of it by hiring home care providers to assist them and their aging loved ones. The home care providers are professionals with plenty of experience and are more than willing to stay with an elderly patient and give in-home care. This way, family caregivers can take the breaks they need and participate in activities that will alleviate the chronic stress they face.

It’s never too late to hire a home care provider, especially when the symptoms of chronic stress are much too obvious to ignore.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Highland Park, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care Serving Somerset and Middlesex/Union Counties today. Call (732) 607-8870.