Anita Ojeda 
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Have you ever found yourself suffering from caregiver fatigue? Or even compassion fatigue? Both happen when we care for others and don’t take care of ourselves. Here’s how to identify it and cope with it.
Do You Suffer from Caregiver Fatigue?
“What time is it, Mrs. Ojeda?” one of my students asked.
“Two minutes since the last time you asked,” I answered, fighting to keep the edge out of my voice. After all, the student, a first grader, probably didn’t know how to tell time.
“Thank you, she said with a gap-toothed smile. That means the dorm opens in three more minutes, right?”
I nodded and continued walking around the playground; another long afternoon of supervising students stretched before me. Between preparing for classes, weekend supervision two weeks in a row, faculty families, and extra meetings, I felt worn out. Even worse, I had made poor choices about how late I stayed up. I’d let a few of my regular self-care routines slide.
That edge to my voice alerted me I had started down the slippery slope to caregiver fatigue. I work at a boarding school for 1st-12th grade students. As the school year progresses, it feels more and more like a big family. Which means I get to know the students and their families. And I hear about their backgrounds and some of their trauma. I want to do more and more for them and forget to set reasonable boundaries. Having students over once a week is ok. Having students over every night? Not so good.
Caregiver fatigue makes us cranky and unpleasant to be around. It adds a sting to our voices and makes us say things we don’t really mean. Family caregivers can suffer from fatigue, too. Today’s podcast will help you identify when you’re experiencing fatigue and offer three ways to cope with it.
Show Notes
You can find out more about caregiver fatigue in this article from the Seniorlink Blog.
This episode of Self-Care Hacks has strategies for recognizing caregiver burnout in yourself or someone else.
These episodes feature family caregivers with great advice from a neuropsychologist SCH026 and the podcaster from Happy, Healthy Caregiver SCH 074.
Come Back Next Week
Next week I’ll share more hacks to help family caregivers care for themselves. Join me!
It's National Family Caregiver Month! Find out how to identify and cope with caregiver fatigue. #NFCM #caregiverfatigue #selfcaresunday Click To Tweet- Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday Community! The link-up opens Sundays at 4 pm, Arizona time.
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Thank you for this post Anita, I have at times suffered from this so am acutely aware not to allow it to happen again.
Bless you, Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…How to celebrate Life in the ordinary!
It’s easy to let caregiver fatigue sneak up on you–especially when the caregiver duties seem light.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Two Perfect Inspy Romances to Read This November
Balancing the needs of others with my wants and needs – this is such a good reminder as I set out into the week. I feel this and your recommendations are spot-on. Blessed by your insight! ~ Shalom, Maryleigh
Maryleigh recently posted…Because she chose love
I have to preach to myself sometimes, that’s for sure! Being a caregiver comes natural to us, being a self-care giver–not so much!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Relax! Jesus took Extreme Measures, so You Don’t Have to!
Anita, thank you for sharing this important subject. It is so important to create strong boundaries.
Deborah Rutherford recently posted…Rejoice Pray Give Thanks
Boundaries are difficult for me, but oh, so important!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Two Perfect Inspy Romances to Read This November
It’s so easy to let self-care tasks slide! Thanks for helping us focus on the needs of the caregivers in our lives.
Jerralea Winn Miller recently posted…Next on the Journey
You’re welcome! I hope you’re feeling better :). I tried responding on your blog, but I kept getting an error and ‘try again later’ message :/.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Two Perfect Inspy Romances to Read This November
I’m not a caregiver yet but already worrying about it. Nearly every time I speak with my mother, she mentions the eventual need she will have to live with either me or my brother. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Blessings,
Tammy
Now is a great time to have those conversations between aging parents, siblings of aging parents, and spouses! My father-in-law lived with us for about six months last year–and we weren’t prepared at all. His sons finally came to the conclusion that in their father’s case, it made more sense for him to live in a small home in Mexico where he could receive the constant care and interaction with other Spanish speakers he needs at a fraction of the cost of memory care in the US.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Two Perfect Inspy Romances to Read This November
Great tips for caregivers, Anita! I appreciate how the Lord blesses us with little “God moments” out in nature.
Lisa Blair recently posted…How to Give Thanks in Every Season of Life
Amen!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Two Perfect Inspy Romances to Read This November
Ahhh, anita. Being able to recognize when we are dealing with caregiver fatigue is the first step to becoming more healthy. I so appreciate this post. I look forward to listening to the podcast tomorrow. I think I need it. 🙂
I it Jim Rohn said something like, “I take care of myself so I can take care of you.” That resonated with me. As a parent or ministry leader or caretaker, we all need self-care.
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