Taking care of someone you love can be rewarding but can also lead to caregiver stress. Stress can affect your mental and physical wellbeing. When caring for someone feels too much, it’s important to think about your own health.
Our guide discusses carer burnout, looking at the signs, reasons and ways to manage it. If you ignore your needs, it can lead to bigger problems and can negatively impact your quality of care. We’ll share tips to help you stay healthy while giving the best care to your loved one.
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Understanding carer burnout
Caregiving burnout is when both your mind and body feel tired. This tiredness is a result of constant stress of caring for someone you love. Signs of caregiver stress include feeling overwhelmed, angry, resentful or wanting to be by yourself and take a break. Unfortunately, caregiver fatigue can result in you ignoring your own needs.
Feeling worn out or stressed doesn’t mean you’re not a good carer. It simply means you’ve reached your limit and need to take a break. It’s important to see the signs as early as possible. If you notice caregiver burnout symptoms, you can manage your stress more easily which will help you stay healthy. As a result, this can make caring for your loved one easier.
The prevalence & impact on health & wellbeing
Carer burnout is a common concern for those who provide full time care. Studies show that many family caregivers are more likely to experience psychological distress, especially if they’re caring for a parent as the role reversal is challenging to overcome.1 The ongoing stress and emotional demands of caring for a loved one can lead to health conditions such as issues sleeping, a weakened immune system and a higher chance of heart problems.2
Many caregivers experience feelings of anxiety, sadness and tiredness. It’s tough to watch a loved one’s health decline while knowing they’re relying on you for help. The stress of taking care of someone full time can take a toll, even for the strongest individuals.
It’s important to understand the correlation between physical and mental health connected to caregiving and help caregivers to deal with burnout. Supporting regular caregivers to take time away can benefit them and allow them to give the best care to their family members.
Identifying signs & symptoms of carer burnout
It’s important to spot the early signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout, as taking rapid action can improve your health. Anyone can experience caregiver burnout and everyone may feel differently but there are common symptoms to look out for. Symptoms can present themselves in how you feel physically, emotionally and in your behaviour.
If you see the signs outlined below, you might be close to burnout. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s smart to take care of your health. By doing this, you can keep providing the best care you can to your loved one.
Emotional & physical signs to look for
Seeing the first signs of caregiver burnout is key for you and your loved one that you look after. You may feel irritable, hopeless or anxious. You may feel isolated or separated from others too. You may find it hard to focus on daily activities and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.
Carer burnout can impact the physical body in several ways. This could be feeling tired all the time, experiencing headaches and stomach problems. You may often feel run down and unwell as your immune system may not work as well. Changes in your sleep are also common: you may have trouble sleeping or find that you’re sleeping more than usual. Pay attention to changes in your appetite, weight or blood pressure as these are all signs that show how stress can affect you individually.3
If you notice that signs of caregiver fatigue are getting worse or sticking around for a long time, you should seek professional help. In this instance, a healthcare professional can examine your symptoms and situation and provide you with coping strategies.
When burnout begins to affect your life
Caregiver burnout can change your daily routine in many ways. It can affect your state of mind, your relationships and your quality of life. Tasks you once found easy might feel difficult now. You may feel less interested in social activities.
Caring for a loved one is challenging. At times, it can make you feel isolated and alone, separated from friends or family who you usually rely on for support.4 Staying in touch with friends can feel too much to handle; you may begin declining invitations or stop contacting loved ones as you’re too tired and stressed.
Caregiver burnout can affect your life in several ways beyond just providing care. Looking after your wellbeing and seeking help can restore balance and improve your quality of life.
Avoiding social activities
Caregiver stress can feel like a very heavy burden. When life gets hard, many people stop enjoying the social activities they previously enjoyed. They may feel too tired or think they don’t have time; in some cases, they may feel guilty because they think they should be focusing their attention on their loved ones.
Being alone can make you feel lonely, anxious or sad. Experiencing these feelings in isolation can take a toll on your mental health. It’s important to stay connected with others, even in small ways. Keeping in touch with family and friends and accepting social invitations can help reduce feelings of isolation which will help you to feel stronger emotionally.
A quick call or a short visit can lift your mood and help you feel better. You may also want to consider joining a support group for carers. This will help you to meet other people in similar situations who will have a clearer understanding of your struggles.
Being mentally blank, slow or confused
Putting all your energy into caring for a loved one can cause you to feel tired and mentally drained. This tiredness can make it hard to think clearly and understand things. Experiencing a mental blank, slow thinking or feeling confused are concerning and could all be signs of carer burnout.
Caregiver stress can appear in several different ways: you may feel like you can’t focus or think clearly; you may have difficulty paying attention, making decisions or remembering things like you used to. Forgetfulness doesn’t mean your mental health is declining, but it shows how long term stress and mental tiredness can affect cognitive function and thought processes.7
If you’re having difficulty thinking clearly, getting professional help is essential. Stress from carer burnout can make it hard to focus, so taking regular breaks or even a longer time away to completely recuperate with the help of a Respite Carer is hugely beneficial. Additionally, using techniques to relieve stress can help you to focus and think more clearly, which will benefit your mental health and overall wellbeing.
Feeling depressed or numb
As a primary caregiver, feeling sad often or not feeling anything at all could mean you’re experiencing carer burnout. Beyond just feeling sad, you may find you regularly experience feelings of hopelessness and emptiness or lose interest in things you usually enjoy. Feeling burnt out doesn’t mean you’re weak – many people feel this way as a response to stress and being constantly relied upon by others.5
You don’t have to handle these feelings alone. Seeking professional help can support you in managing your symptoms and help you feel more balanced and at peace with your emotions. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can be hugely beneficial as they offer support and advice. You could also consider the help of a professional Respite Care to take over your duties while you take a well deserved break from your daily caregiving role.
Hurry worry
Primary caregivers who are constantly on the go often feel the need to rush, resulting in anxiety. This results from handling many tasks, medical appointments and concerns about the health and wellbeing of the person they’re caring for. The constant pressure to perform and be on the go can leave carers feeling tense.
Ongoing stress can damage your physical health, causing high blood pressure, sleeping problems and a weakened immune system.8 Feeling tired can result in a rise in emotional stress, building a constant cycle that’s difficult to escape.
It’s important to notice signs of “hurry worry”. Using stress reducing techniques can help to relieve and manage caregiver stress. This could include taking a day off once a week where you don’t have to worry about medical appointments or health concerns while a Respite Carer steps in to take over your duties.
Neglecting yourself
When caregiver stress becomes burnout, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. You may neglect to practice self care which can include not maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding your hobbies and interests, and skipping medical appointments.
Ignoring your health is bad for yourself and can also hurt the people you care for. It’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. In fact, focusing on your health can result in you being a better caregiver.
Be sure to set aside time for self care in your daily routine. Continue to do things that you enjoy, whether it’s as simple as applying makeup that makes you feel good, eating healthy foods or ensuring you get enough sleep.
Neglecting the person needing care
Caregiver burnout can cause primary carers to change their behaviour, which could mean they start to overlook the needs of the person they’re caring for. Feeling upset or stressed means it can be tough to provide the same level of help and support they usually do, especially if it’s linked to a lack of energy.
Neglect can appear in small ways. You might forget things without realising them or begin to feel irritable and impatient towards others’ feelings. You may rush through tasks and miss key details which could leave you feeling upset about the expectations others have for you.
Noticing these signs is very important! Once you notice the symptoms of carer burnout, you can begin to get the help you need to feel better and enable you to fulfil your duties.
Overreacting to things
A clear sign of caregiver stress is overreacting to things that usually wouldn’t bother you.6 The stress and emotional pressure of constantly being on demand can drain your patience. As a result, it becomes hard to cope with even small issues.
You may find that you feel more upset, angry or anxious about everyday issues. Tasks that usually feel easy might suddenly seem difficult. Caring for other people can increase your stress and make it harder for you to handle tasks.
If you feel this way often, you may be experiencing carer burnout. It’s important to notice this and take action to feel better. Getting help from a qualified Respite Carer or finding other ways to reduce your stress and take care of yourself can help you feel calmer and perform your caregiving duties more effectively. This can also help you manage your emotions confidently.
Physical exhaustion
Caring for a loved one can be tiring. Supporting someone physically, staying up at night and being constantly alert can all take their toll. This can result in more than just regular tiredness; it’s a deep fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest. These feelings of exhaustion can make everyday tasks seem more difficult and increase your risk of making mistakes or getting injured.
Being overly tired for an extended time can be damaging to your immune system and make you more prone to illnesses. It can also make any underlying health conditions feel worse or create new problems. It’s important to take good care of your health. By doing this, you will subsequently be able to care for your loved ones better.
Make sure you exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep every night. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when things feel tough; you may want to consider Respite Care to allow you to take a break when you need it.
Reduced appetite
A change in appetite, such as losing interest in food or wanting to eat less, could be a sign of caregiver stress. Caring for someone who relies on you for their needs can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Feelings of stress can disrupt your body’s hunger signals; as a result, you may find that you don’t feel hungry or have no desire to eat which can consequently lead to unhealthy weight loss.
Ignoring good nutrition can negatively impact energy levels, which can make it harder to manage stress. A balanced diet is important for physical health and emotional wellbeing, especially when you care for others. If you don’t feel hungry or have trouble following a healthy diet, consider asking for help. A healthcare professional or a registered dietician can support you and provide advice on a balanced diet and exercise.
Smoking & drinking more or comfort eating
When taking care of someone feels difficult, you may feel tempted to lean on bad habits, such as smoking and drinking more or eating more comfort foods. Although these habits may feel good in the moment, they can negatively impact your physical health and if you continue relying on them, it could lead to serious health concerns in the future.
Using drugs or overeating to avoid your feelings can lead to more serious issues. Therefore, it’s important to recognise these behaviours as warning signs. It’s essential to find healthier ways to cope with caregiver stress.
Taking part in activities such as exercising, spending time outside, relaxing or socialising with friends and loved ones can all lower stress. These actions are beneficial for your mental health and help support your physical health.
What does caregiver burnout feel like?
Caregiver burnout is not just about feeling tired; it happens after a prolonged period of feeling stressed. This kind of stress can affect a caregiver’s feelings; you may feel hopeless or as if you can’t get anything done.
Experiencing caregiver burnout brings new daily challenges. No matter how hard you try, you may feel overwhelmed and the pressure keeps adding up and drags your mood down. It can make you feel exhausted, sad and difficult to imagine a time when things will be better.
Different types of stress
Not all stress is harmful. Some stress comes during tough times but can help you grow and get better. It’s important to know about two types of stress: distress and eustress. Distress is the kind that can negatively affect your mood and wellbeing. Eustress, on the other hand, is the ‘good’ kind of stress. Understanding the difference can help you manage carer burnout better.
Distress can feel very heavy and exhausting like you can’t manage everything. In contrast, eustress can make you feel stronger and motivated; it also adds excitement to your life. By changing how we see stressful situations and focusing on the positive, caregivers can use eustress to manage hard times better.
Distress is a type of stress that makes you feel low and can negatively impact your health. It feels like a heavy weight on your shoulders, resulting in feelings of worry and sadness. People who take care of others, like caregivers, can often feel this way. They may feel it when a loved one’s health is declining, when their caregiving duties feel tough and overwhelming, or even when they need to make difficult choices about a loved one’s health care.
When stress becomes overbearing or lasts a long time, it can harm your physical health and lead to issues like trouble sleeping, high blood pressure or a weaker immune system. This can increase the chance of developing serious health conditions. Stress can also make any ongoing health problems feel worse, creating a tough cycle to break.
It’s important to notice when you feel under too much pressure and find ways to make yourself feel better. Talk to family and friends about how you feel, join in activities that can help reduce stress, or consider getting professional help if you think you can’t manage your feelings on your own. Professional help could include a Respite Carer coming in to take over your caregiving responsibilities while you take a well deserved break.
Eustress, on the other hand, is a good kind of stress. It gives us energy and helps us push through challenges. Eustress occurs when we face big tasks and feel excited. Finishing those tasks makes us feel happy. Although caring for others can feel hard sometimes, understanding eustress can make it easier to manage during difficult times.
Seeing your loved one getting better because of your help can make you feel proud and euphoric. Finding new ways to handle the challenges of being a primary caregiver can bring you joy. By viewing the challenges of caring with a positive mindset, seeing it as a chance to grow and develop patience and understanding for others, you can change how you approach difficult situations. You may begin to see the positives instead of feeling stressed and under pressure.
Exploring the causes of caregiver burnout
Caregiver burnout doesn’t arise for just one reason; it can result from many problems, including emotional, physical and social issues. When you care for a loved one, you often do it out of love. However, the ongoing demands can tire even the most dedicated caregivers which can lead to feelings of burnout.
Unrealistic expectations, not having support, money issues and seeing someone you care about in pain can be distressing. This stress can lead to feeling burnt out, which is why it’s important to notice the problems and take care of yourself. Seeking help and setting realistic limits can reduce feeling overwhelmed; that’s why Respite Care is a great solution for primary caregivers to take regular breaks while a professional care provider steps into their role to provide continuity of care.
Lack of support & recognition in caring
Caring for someone can sometimes feel lonely. If there’s not enough help from other family members, friends or healthcare professionals, the feeling of loneliness can develop into feeling stressed and undervalued. Caregivers may feel they’re not getting appreciation for what they do; managing tasks alone can be tough and result in a heavy responsibility that makes them feel resentful or burnt out.
Helping a carer to feel appreciated and valued will improve their mood and, as a result, allow them to care for others better. Encourage carers to have open and supportive conversations with families or loved ones. It’s also key to inform people about available resources, such as Respite Care, or financial aid for carers. You can read more about our Respite Care service and Discounts for Carers.
The role of emotional & physical demands
Caregiving can be tough for anyone who takes it on and can take a toll on their emotional and physical health. Primary carers often feel overwhelmed by constant demands and ignore their own needs which makes it harder for them to handle stress.
Caregivers may feel sad and worried when they see a loved one’s health getting worse. Providing life changing support can be tiring and the stress can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability and despair. Over time, these feelings can, for some, become too much to handle.
Caregivers should understand the signs of physical exhaustion and take time to rest. Regular exercise can also help with physical and mental wellbeing. Respite Care is a valuable option to allow caregivers to take regular or long term breaks for themselves.
What are the risk factors for caregiver burnout?
Some factors can make caregiver stress and burnout more likely. These risks are usually associated with how difficult the caring role is, as well as relating to the caregiver’s personal life and the support they may receive.
Long term impact of carer burnout
Untreated caregiver burnout can cause serious health issues, even after you stop caring for others. Long lasting physical and mental stress can lead to problems such as heart disease, stroke or diabetes.9
Burnout can negatively impact your feelings by making it difficult to enjoy life and bond with others. Caregivers may notice their quality of life is getting worse as they often feel worn out, agitated or lost. It’s important to understand how burnout can influence the future, which is why you should look out for symptoms and seek help early, take time for self care and rest and find support while being a caregiver.
Strategies for managing & preventing caregiver burnout
Preventing caregiver burnout means looking after your health alongside your caregiving duties. Often, this can seem difficult but fitting in time for yourself is vital. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It takes courage to know when you need support and taking care of yourself means you have more to offer to those you love.
Establishing a support network
Building a strong support network is important when facing the demands of caregiving. Having a strong support network around you can help you feel less tired and more likely to ask for help from friends, family or neighbours when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
It’s also worth noting local resources in your area, such as support groups and workshops for caregivers, or Respite Care services and counselling. Connecting with other carers and bonding over shared experiences is a great way to cope and find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.
Importance of self care & setting boundaries
Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. If you feel good, you’re more likely to care better for the people you love. Adding simple activities that bring you joy and energy, such as walking in nature, reading a book, listening to music or enjoying a bubble bath can all help. Setting boundaries and limits to prevent burnout is important; don’t be afraid to say no to tasks that feel too taxing or ask to share some of your duties with others to ease your burden.
Take care of yourself by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough rest. This will help you to feel more energised and boost your mood.
Recovering from caregiver burnout
If you’ve experienced caregiver burnout, recovering from this can take time. Be kind to yourself during the recovery process and seek help from experts if you need to. Acknowledge how caregiving has impacted your physical and mental wellbeing and allow yourself time to heal from the emotional exhaustion and find methods of coping.
Working with a therapist or counsellor can give you the support you need to find ways of handling stress and understanding your feelings. Speaking to someone can help with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety which can arise from caregiver burnout.
Recovery is about finding joy and purpose beyond caregiving. It’s important to reconnect with hobbies, spend time with family and friends and enjoy activities that make you happy again.
Respite Care
Respite Care provides an opportunity for regular caregivers to take a break while a professional steps into their role for continuity of care. This break provides relief and an opportunity to relax and focus on their own needs.
There are different forms of Respite Care; it might be a few hours of help at home or it could be overnight stays at a care centre. The type of support needed depends on the situation but is beneficial for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. It lets caregivers take a break and helps them feel refreshed and ready to provide care again. It can help prevent caregiver burnout, lower stress and allow them to perform their duties to the best of their ability.
| Type of Respite Care | Description |
|---|---|
| At home care | A trained caregiver comes to your home to provide companionship, assistance with daily tasks, or supervision for a short time while the primary caregiver takes a break. |
| Adult day care centres | The person needing care can socialise, engage in activities and receive supervised care in a group setting. |
| Residential care facilities | Short term stays in a nursing home or assisted living facility provide caregivers with the opportunity for an extended break or holiday. |
Therapy
Therapy can provide a safe space for you to discuss and manage the intense emotions that can come from caring for others. These emotions can include pressure, resentment, guilt and even grief. Speaking to a therapist in a safe environment can help you identify unhealthy habits and find ways of managing and coping with stress, anxiety, depression or carer fatigue.
Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it shows that you’re making the right decision to care for your mental health. Therapy can give you the tools and support you need to handle stressful situations and the challenges that come with caregiving. This support can help improve your quality of life and allow you to take better care of yourself.
Professional help & resources
Feeling tired from taking care of someone can be tough. A big part of handling this is realising when to ask for help; it’s also key to finding good resources that can support you. If you feel emotional or physical stress from caregiving, reach out for support when you need it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and not taking care of yourself, like not sleeping enough or sleeping too much, not eating well, avoiding friends, or feeling bad about helping others, it’s important to talk to a professional. They can provide a safe place for you to share your feelings and help you discover new ways to handle stressful situations.
There are many local resources and support services to help caregivers with their difficult jobs.
Getting help from a community can help reduce caregiver stress. You can join a support group in your area, talk to a friend or neighbour, or use Respite Care services. Having a strong support system can make a big difference!
Community support helps caregivers feel less isolated or lonely. It shows they’re not alone in their struggles. By sharing stories or giving and receiving helpful tips, caregivers feel better about their work.
By creating strong communities and support groups, caregivers can feel appreciated. This can lead to a better quality of life and benefit the wellbeing of both the carer and those they care for.
Quick questions
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1. UCL News, “Mental health declines when becoming an unpaid carer”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
2. Mayo Clinic, “Chronic stress puts your health at risk”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
3. Cleveland Clinic, “Caregiver burnout”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
4. Mayo Clinic, “Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
5. NeuroLaunch, “Mental Burnout: Symptoms, Causes and Recovery Strategies”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
6. My Care Finders, “Caregiver Burnout: Signs, Causes and How to Recover”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
7. Circle Health Group, “How does tiredness affect the brain?”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
8. Very Well Mind, “How Prolonged Stress Impacts Your Health”, Reviewed 24 January 2025
9. CDC, “About Heart Disease and Mental Health”, Reviewed 24 January 2025