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Caregiver burnout is real, and self-care is essential.

Reclaim a sense of peace and normalcy in your life during this painful time.

Self-care may include activities such as yoga, meditation, sound healing, or even walking in nature.

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This is Part 3 of a series on loved ones in health decline. Read Part 1 and Part 2 here.

The adage “You can’t pour from an empty cup” seems trite and overused. However, when it comes to caregiver burnout, it has never been truer. If you have a loved one (including a family member or friend) in severe health decline, you know the feeling of burnout. While you may feel physical exhaustion, it’s often the emotional exhaustion that becomes overwhelming. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself during this very trying time in your life. It’s merely being true to yourself. In fact, taking care of yourself also includes surrendering control of the situation at times. Yet many in this position feel that self-care is not allowed and is even self-centered. Nothing could be further from the truth. But if you still feel that way, remind yourself that you cannot take care of your loved one if you are completely exhausted and burned out.

Compassion Fatigue When Caring for a Loved One

Compassion fatigue, most often associated with the helping professions (such as counselors and nurses), means taking on the emotional burden of others in poor health to the point where it’s detrimental to self. Setting emotional and physical boundaries is essential in these professions, and this entails maintaining a delicate balance of empathy and emotional self-care.

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