Why Therapy for Caretakers is More Important Than Ever

Research has shown that roughly 80% of long-term care in this country is provided by family members. Many of these caregivers have their own families to look after and may also be holding down at least one job.

In addition, family caregivers have been shown to ignore their own health and wellness needs. This often leads to Caregiver Burnout, which is typically defined as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. If you are a Caregiver and have reached this burnout stage you may be experiencing stress, fatigue, sadness, grief, isolation guilt, anxiety, and depression.

Some other symptoms of caregiver burnout include:

• Withdrawing from others
• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
• Feeling irritable and helpless
• Changes in appetite, weight, or both
• Changes in sleep
• Compromised immune system
• Extreme fatigue
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs

Causes of Caregiver Burnout

You may become lost in the person you are caring for and forget that you yourself have needs and wants. Being so busy, you, often without thought, neglect your own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and wellbeing.

You also deal with huge challenges and emotions each day, and often without help from anyone else. You may push your feelings down so you may remain strong for your loved one who is usually battling a significant health crisis of their own.

Counseling Can Be a Lifesaver for Caregivers

Struggling on your own won’t help you or your loved one. It’s important that you get the help you need and deserve.

Talking with someone who will listen compassionately and give you advice and coping tools can take a huge burden off your shoulders.

But perhaps most importantly, a therapist will validate what you are experiencing. This is helpful because you yourself may be denying your own existence and your own pain. This is how you have been managing.

My name is Lisabeth Wotherspoon, and I am in your corner. I can be your champion and can say the things you won’t allow yourself to say. I can point out your own humanity and the need for you to take care of yourself. Hearing this from a neutral third party can often be very helpful.

If you would like to speak with me, please reach out to me by calling 603-994-0114 or emailing me at Lbw0923@gmail.com. I want to help you not feel so powerless or isolated.