Caregiver Burnout: Signs to Watch and Where to Get Help

If you're caring for a parent while working and raising kids, it's easy to push through exhaustion long past the point you should have asked for help. Catching burnout early protects you and the care you're able to give.

Common signs

  • Exhaustion that a full night's sleep doesn't fix.
  • Pulling away from friends and things you used to enjoy.
  • Irritability or resentment toward your parent, followed by guilt.
  • Changes in appetite, sleep, or health, including getting sick more often.
  • Feeling like nothing you do is ever enough.

Stress or burnout?

A rough rule: stress is too much, and burnout is nothing left. With stress, rest still helps. With burnout, rest stops restoring you and you feel flat or numb.

What helps

  • Respite care, even a few hours a week.
  • A caregiver support group.
  • Specific asks of siblings or family, like "Can you take Mom to her Thursday appointments for the next two months?"
  • Telling your own doctor about your caregiving role.
  • Checking what work leave you're entitled to before you burn through vacation days.

Local help in the Northwest Suburbs

  • AgeOptions runs the Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program in suburban Cook County: 708-383-0258.
  • The Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine: 1-800-252-8966.
  • Alzheimer's Association helpline, open 24 hours: 1-800-272-3900.

Programs and phone numbers change, so call to confirm.

When it's more than burnout

If you've felt down or hopeless most days for two weeks or more, talk to your own doctor. If you're having thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time.

Read the full guide: Caregiver Burnout, Signs and Resources

More at genxlifehub.org. This is educational information and not a substitute for medical or mental health care.

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