Many people don’t know what Caregiver syndrome is or how it could already be affecting their lives.  

It can make it harder to provide care for loved ones, and for some, it’s the wake-up call that they’ve lost touch with who they are.

So we’re going to take a few minutes to talk about what it is and share 3 tips to help you rediscover who you are beyond being a caregiver.

What is Caregiver Syndrome?

Caregiver syndrome is a state of complete exhaustion  that can happen when the demands of looking after a loved one cause you to neglect yourself.  

When you start caring for children, aging parents, or both, your life drastically changes.

Your hobbies and self care often get harder to manage. That’s why we’ll be talking about 3 steps you can take to embrace your identify outside of being a caregiver.

3 Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Identity

1. Find Support Groups

There are many caregiver groups that can offer support, but don’t stop there. Search for communities centered on your hobbies / interested.

In-person groups are amazing too, but if getting to a support group regularly sounds challenging, don’t overlook online groups.

When the pandemic hit, I joined a couple of groups on Facebook . It was nice to find people who shared interests, and it helped me feel less alone / isolated.

2. Start Journaling for Mental Health

Journaling can help you process the complex feelings caregivers have, and organize your thoughts.

You can try writing anything that is on your mind, but prefer using journal prompts for mental health. Journaling pairs wonderfully with therapy.

When I first committed to online therapy I couldn’t afford to go long term. So, I journaled for about a month before I started my sessions.

When I talked with my therapist about things I’d processed on my own she helped me validate and finalize my plans moving forward.

3. Adapt Your Interests

Sometimes you can include your loved one in hobbies. If you like being active, taking your loved one on a walk can help keep you moving. However for many with mobility limitations or other challenges, this is easier said than done.

It’s great when you can continue to pursue interests you’ve had in the past. But, now that life has changed you may want to consider learning about hobbies you can pursue at home.

In fact, “grandma hobbies” like knitting and crochet are rapidly on the rise which makes sense. Creative crafting has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. It’s also nice being able to carve out time for something you genuinely enjoy that gives you a sense of personal achievement.

Conclusion

Navigating caregiver syndrome requires intentional self-care and a care plan that keeps your needs in mind. Even the small steps you take towards rebuilding your identity as a caregiver are a step in the right direction.