When it comes to being a caregiver, stress is part of the job. There’s no way to get around that. And, caregiver stress affects everyone, no matter who you are, what socioeconomic class you are, how old you are, or any other factors.
One of the most dangerous things is for a family caregiver to ignore the signs and symptoms of stress. If you turn a blind eye to this, it can not only affect your health, seriously in some cases, but it can also harm your relationships.
How can caregiver stress affect your relationships?
One of the most significant things that can happen under extreme stress and pressure could be changing your attitude toward others. This is often not deliberate, but it happens all the same.
Your elderly mother, for example, has been counting on you to support her for some time might be stunned at some of the things you say. You might get frustrated with her, snap, and say things you regret.
How is that going to affect your relationship going forward? Probably nothing beneficial. But, it’s not just the relationship you have with her for this other senior who counts and you that can be negatively impacted.
If you are married or in a long-term relationship, your significant other or spouse could find himself or herself missing out on time with you. You may become distant to your friends, your own children who have grown and are off at college, or even coworkers.
You might even become dismissive of a coworker or your boss. You might arrive late more and more often, and when called out on it by your boss in a private meeting in her office, you might defend yourself or simply say you don’t care.
How else can caregiver stress affect you?
Stress negatively impacts the body, especially prolonged stress. You might have high blood pressure, more difficulty sleeping, eat more often, eat unhealthy because you have so little time now to make a healthy meal, and so forth.
The average caregiver is in their mid to late 40s or early 50s. Poor diet, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and so forth is going to negatively impact you at this age for more than it might in your 20s or 30s.
The best thing you can do at this point is look for help. Home care is one of the best options anyone can consider when being a caregiver is taking its toll on your health, family, and life.
