Recognizing Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving is meaningful work, but it can take a serious toll on the caregivers’ mental and physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., one in five adults provides care to a loved one, and studies show caregivers are more likely to experience higher levels of stress, depression, and poor mental health compared to adults who are not caregivers. 

What Is caregiver burnout? 

Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that occurs when the demands of caregiving outweigh their bandwidth and available support. Federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognize caregiver burnout as a public health issue that impacts both caregivers and the loves ones they care for. 

Common signs of burnout caregivers may experience include: [hopkinsmedicine.org]

• Ongoing fatigue, sleep problems, or frequent illness 
• Feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability, or hopelessness
• Withdrawal from social activities and neglect of self care  

Coping tips recommend for caregivers: 

• Prioritize self care and regular health checkups 
• Seek peer support and counseling 
• Use respite care and community services 
• Access reliable caregiver education resources and planning tools 

Unpaid caregivers in Santa Clara County can access Caregivers Network by Sourcewise, which offers caregiver support groups, counseling, case management, and respite service, to reduce the possibility of burnout and to catch a break. 

If you identify as a caregiver, you are not alone and support is available. For more information on family caregiver resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.