Overwhelmed caring for kids or aging parents? Caring for loved ones can be challenging & many people don’t know the stages of caregiver burnout. Learn what to look for, and get tips on how to beat burnout.
We help caregivers improve their mental health & find better life balance. Learn how to improve your quality of life & keep showing up for the ones you love.
Professionally, I’m a senior living advisor. I’ve helped thousands of families make care plans for their aging loved ones. Outside the office, I’m also a mom. I research and share personal opinions / experiences because I truly know the weight that so many caregivers carry.
Whether you are near your breaking point, or planning proactively I want to help you find better life balance.
The 4 Stages of Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout doesn’t normally happen overnight. Most people start their journey ready to show up but things can quickly change.
1. Caregiving feels manageable
This is the start of your caregiving journey. You’re filled with energy and a sense of purpose. You feel confident and ready to handle whatever comes your way.
You know you can balance everything—your career, your family, and your health —and you’re motivated to do it all. This initial burst of enthusiasm is what carries you in the beginning.
2. Feeling the weight of your workload
The initial excitement begins to fade, demands start piling up. You start to feel the weight of your new workload, realizing how much responsibility you’ve really taken on.
You’re constantly tired—both physically and mentally but you keep pushing. Things are still manageable for now. You might find yourself getting frustrated or having difficulty sleeping, though. This is when many start to question if they can really juggle it all.
3. Stress is rising
The ongoing stress is starting to reach a critical point. You might not have time for friends / hobbies or like you’re losing part of your identity. Some talk about a sense of resentment that can start to creep in, either toward the situation itself or even at others. Many feel guilty for feeling that way or for wanting more help. needing .
4. Running on Empty
This is the most severe stage, often happening right as we’re reaching our breaking point. Exhaustion affects every part of your life, and you have nothing left to give. At this stage, many caregivers are struggling with depression or anxiety.
Some live in constant fear of an emergency or have trouble focusing, making decisions. You might even notice that your own health has taken a hit. This is your mind and body are telling you that you are out of fuel. Something needs to change.
The Unspoken Emotions of Caregiving
I talk to people who are at different stages of caregiver burnout every day. Some still worry they aren’t doing enough, others are struggling with losing their autonomy – that control of their daily lives.
The most common feeling I help people through is the guilt. Many feel like they’re betraying a promise they made before they realized how hard things would be. These feelings are normal. They are often part of the journey. I find that acknowledging them is the first step towards working past burnout. You cannot fix what you do not see.