ALS caregiver support
Anyone can be a caregiver and their duties are unique to every situation. Caregiving is done out of love, devotion, and responsibility to the person with ALS. While it can be personally rewarding, it can also extract a huge emotional toll on the caregiver.
Understanding burnout and
how to manage its effects
Being a caregiver requires a great deal of effort and energy. Over time, these expectations can take a toll on us, and we may run the risk of burning out.
What is burnout?
Burnout can be defined as an overexertion of physical or emotional strength, usually as a result of prolonged stress. Burnout can be as subtle as lacking motivation or feeling disconnected to more serious complications.
What causes burnout?
Common causes of burnout are a desire for perfectionism, the feeling that our work is never ending, or we’re performing impossible tasks that involve multitasking and self-sacrifice.
Symptoms of burnout:
Common symptoms can include interpersonal problems, health problems, poor performance due to lack of productivity, substance abuse, workaholism, depression, and loss of self-esteem.
Solutions for dealing with burnout include
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Taking care of yourself
Eat healthy, sleep, exercise, and reduce stress.
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Practice stress-reducing strategies
Breathing exercises, yoga, relaxation techniques, and getting a massage.
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Develop a strong support system
Surround yourself with friends and family, join or create a support group, and/or see a counsellor or therapist.
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Create a more fulfilling life
Only say “yes” to what you want to say “yes” to and acknowledge your priorities.
Want more information about ALS? Listen on-the-go!
Podcasts are a convenient way to get nuggets of practical information whenever and wherever you are. If you’re looking to learn more about balancing the care you give a loved one and your own physical and mental health, this episode is for you:
ALS podcast series: Life as a caregiver
