Taking care of someone with a traumatic brain injury may be very challenging, especially to a loved one or a caregiver. Having too much responsibility without receiving assistance or support can take a toll on someone’s mental, physical, and emotional state. It can eventually lead to caregiver burden, which is the strain or stress perceived by an individual who takes care of a chronically ill, disabled, or elderly person. Individuals with caregiver burden usually experience:
- Stress or burnout
- Anxiety or depression
- Emotional or physical exhaustion
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Decreased social participation from family, friends, and/or leisure activities
Caregiver burnout can negatively affect the quality of care that individuals provide for someone with a brain injury. General strategies that a caregiver can use to manage caregiver burden include:
- Taking care of yourself. Exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Engaging in yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety or stress
- Using positive coping skills (i.e., spending time with your family and friends, listening to music, engage in your favorite hobbies)
- Getting adequate sleep, about 8 hours each day
- Seeking for help through family, friends, and/or support groups
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