Why Am I Tired All The Time?

by Kathy Lupfer Nielsen, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, founder of the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving, says there are four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers those that are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. According to the article “Emotional Fatigue” in Today’s Caregiver online article, there should be a fifth caregiver type added to the list, those who don’t realize that they have begun their caregiving journey.

This category is where many of us find ourselves when we’re helping Mom with her checkbook or Dad by calling him daily to remind him to take his medicine. Self-identifying as a caregiver can help you understand the emotional weariness you may be experiencing plus help you look for ways to manage it.

What are some of the symptoms of emotional fatigue? Waiting-for-the-other-shoe- to drop tension; Bouts of sadness or the blues; Mental sluggishness; Feelings of frustration, anger or guilt; Feelings of resentment or impatience towards the family member you are “just” helping; Poor sleep and increased aches and pains and blood pressure.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you need to put a name on it. The quicker you self-identify your new role, the easier it will be to deal with the emotional roller-coaster ride as your responsibilities of caregiving increase. Listen to what your emotions are telling you as this will help you deal with what you are going through. It is sad to watch your parents or special neighbor grow older and be a helper for them…so admit you’re sad and then embrace the changes as best you can by self-care.

Let go of what is out of your control, recognize your limitations and find some help through other family members or local agencies. This will help your well-being.

Every situation is different and so your options will be individualized. Another source of information I located, recommended the 4 R principles; Relax, Rest, Reflect and Release. Relax and rest are the first steps to deal with your emotional fatigue…then you can move onto reflecting…remembering the good times with your family member as you then can release the situation and move forward to caregiving for yourself and your loved one.

www.caregiver.com is a wonderful website with a wealth of information about caregiving.