Fatigue can come from a range of stressors in our lives, and can manifest itself in a range of symptoms. For this reason, people don’t often identify that they are suffering from fatigue. Caregivers are particularly susceptible to fatigue – both emotional and physical from the tolls of caring for a loved one – but they often ignore their fatigue or even feel guilty for experiencing it. If you or a caregiver you know are experiencing fatigue, it is vital to their own health as well as the individual they care for to identify the fatigue, and take the necessary steps to recover.
Keep track of the following checklist, and ensure that you don’t find yourself ticking more than a few of the boxes. If you are, you might be fatigued, and it might be time to ask for help.
Signs of Fatigue:
- Nervousness or tension
- Irritability
- A tendency to bouts of sadness or depression
- Mental sluggishness
- Episodes of frustration or anger
- Poor sleep
- Feelings of isolation
- Obsession over sacrifices (such as time or money)
- Increase in aches and pains, or even blood pressure
There are options, like respite care, that might help someone in this situation. Give us a call if you’d like to hear more.