How to Navigate the Emotional Side of Becoming a Caregiver

Though caring for a loved one when they’re in need is an honorable thing to do, it can also be an emotional rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. From seeing a loved one smile to witnessing their cognitive or physical decline, family caregivers experience the full spectrum of emotions. This role can also be filled with frustrations and setbacks, which can take a toll on a caregiver’s mental well-being.

Thankfully, we at Visiting Angels Bartlesville have a wealth of experience navigating the emotional aspects of becoming caregivers. And while we can’t say the emotions stop, we can tell you that some strategies can and do help!

If you’re a family caregiver–or see yourself stepping into that role–this blog is for you. It explores strategies to help you find balance and gain insight into the emotions that come with becoming a family caregiver.

Why Are My Emotions So Intense as a Family Caregiver?

There are many layers to why caregiving can be so emotionally charged, and the reasons can vary from person to person. For many family caregivers, the act of caring for someone you love while that person is experiencing decline or challenging health issues creates pain, sadness, or stress, among many other feelings. This is, after all, someone you love, and seeing them facing challenges is really difficult.

Caring for a loved one who is vulnerable–perhaps no longer in control of their mind or body–is an incredibly difficult experience. This can lead to a cycle of emotions, where feelings like sadness, frustration, or anger are quickly followed by guilt for having those emotions. When this cycle feels overwhelming, it’s crucial to take proactive steps and explore strategies that can help you navigate these feelings more effectively.

Tips for Caregivers to Better Navigate Their Emotions

There is no “instant solution” when it comes to understanding and managing your emotions. But there are strategies that many others have tried and tested before you and found helpful.

Go Easy on Yourself

Those big feelings we mentioned earlier, like anger, frustration, and sadness, can lead to guilt. It’s essential for family caregivers to go easy on themselves and treat themselves with the same kindness and compassion they show others.

If you’re experiencing negative emotions, try not to scold yourself. Gently remind yourself that you’re human. You are doing what you can to help your loved one, and your feelings are normal because of the stress of the situation.

Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Caregivers can easily neglect their own health and well-being to meet the needs of others. Unfortunately, this often leads to caregiver burnout, during which stress from their duties impacts a caregiver’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Recognizing the early symptoms of burnout enables caregivers to take the necessary steps to resolve them and recover.

Some of the top signs of burnout include:

Trouble sleeping
Decreased productivity
Changes in appetite
Depression and anxiety
Irritability
Headaches
Chronic fatigue

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek the help you need and deserve.

Keep a Journal

Self-reflection exercises, like journaling, might sound hokey at first, but they are effective exercises for family caregivers to cope and take charge of their emotions. Get into the habit of writing down how you feel regularly. Try to identify the triggers that caused your emotions. This can help you understand what evokes negative feelings and better prepare for those situations in the future.

Seek Help

Whether it’s taking a respite from your caregiving duties, practicing one of the recommendations in this blog, or talking to your primary doctor, seeking help is crucial. Don’t ignore the stress or negative emotions or wait for them to resolve on their own. Your own mental health and well-being are not dispensable. As the popular phrase says, “You can’t care for someone else if you don’t take care of yourself first!”

Caregivers can access many support groups and networks, including the Caregiver Action Network (CAM) and the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter.

Additional Strategies for Family Caregivers

Create a “Win” Journal: Keep a list of small wins and positive moments from your journey as a family caregiver to direct your focus to what’s going well.

Explore Creative Outlets: Journaling is one creative outlet. Others can be painting, coloring in an adult coloring book, knitting, crafting, scrapbooking, playing an instrument, or using modeling clay…the sky’s the limit!

Recruit a Trusted Complaint Partner: Ask a friend, family member, or even a pastor to be your confidant in the complaint department. Sometimes, you just need to vent to someone who can be unbiased and free of judgment.

Find Comfort in Animals: Animal therapy is a wonderful way to unwind from the challenges in our lives–not only for you, but for the animals, too! Snuggle with your own pets or visit local shelters or adoption centers.

Make a Non-Caregiver Space: Dedicate a space just for you to de-stress and leave all caregiving associations at the door! This space, even if it’s just the corner of a room, needs to be something you can connect to and take comfort in, whatever that means for you.

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Let Visiting Angels of Bartlesville Give You a Respite

Did any of this information feel familiar? If so, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Visiting Angels of Bartlesville, OK, understands these struggles first-hand. Many of our own team members began as family caregivers themselves, and they took that experience and found out it was a passion for helping others.

If you think having a professional caregiver relieve you from your family caregiving duties is the solution you and your loved one need, contact us at 918-333-7400 to discuss how we can help. We promise we’ll treat them like family.

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