Recognizing the Warning Signs of Stress
Because the demands of caregiving can continue indefinitely, it's important to understand the warning signs of stress and learn to cope with the pressures you may be experiencing. Some of the warning signs might be:
- You feel exhausted, resentful, frustrated, and angry most of the time.
- You don't get enough sleep due to worry.
- Your caregiving duties interfere with your work and personal life.
- You no longer have any time to yourself.
- You find yourself overeating or not eating, abusing drugs or alcohol.
- You begin to take your frustrations out on the care-receiver.
- You begin to have health problems such as headaches, stomach disorders, hypertension, high blood sugar, or catch colds and the flu more often.
What are your warning signs that stress is building up?
These warning signs are an indication that it is time to take action and manage your stress NOW. If you don't, you will be putting your mental and physical health in jeopardy.
