What should you do when you feel stressed while caregiving?

When feeling stressed while caregiving, taking action to reduce the cause of stress is essential for maintaining both your well-being and the quality of care you provide. Identifying specific stressors and actively addressing them can lead to improved coping strategies and better overall outcomes in the caregiving environment. This could involve implementing time management techniques, setting realistic boundaries, engaging in self-care activities, or discussing concerns with a supervisor. By tackling the source of stress, you not only help yourself but also ensure that you are more effectively supporting those you care for.

Choosing to stop everything you are doing might provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issues contributing to stress. Waiting a few weeks to see how you are doing may result in worsening stress levels, which could negatively affect both you and the care recipient. While seeking assistance from a coworker can be beneficial, it is more productive to focus on reducing your own stress first, as this equips you to better support others when needed.