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Coping With Caregiving

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: August 2024

Caring for a loved one with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or other advanced liver disease can be a demanding and emotionally draining experience. Your loved one may have end-stage liver disease. They may be in need of a liver transplant. As a caregiver, your roles are sometimes endless. Managing your loved one’s health and well-being is crucial. But it can also take a toll on your own emotional and physical health.1,2

Signs of caregiver burnout

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that occurs when the demands of caregiving become overwhelming. This can look different for everyone. It may take the form of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness. It may also show up in physical ways, like fatigue, headaches, and getting sick more often.3

Recognizing the signs of burnout can help prevent it from affecting your health and ability to care for your loved one. Here are some signs to look out for:3

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  • Feelings of sadness or depression that do not go away
  • Increased anger, irritability, or frustration
  • Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns or sleeping more than usual
  • Getting sick more often
  • Neglecting your own health and well-being
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Ways to prevent caregiver burnout

Caregivers need to prioritize their own self-care to prevent caregiver burnout. As the saying goes, you have to put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help others.

Here are some things you can do to make sure you stay well:1,4

  • Take breaks – Ask for help from family members, friends, or professional caregivers so you can take breaks to recharge.
  • Stay organized – Maintain a schedule for your loved one’s medicines, medical appointments, and care tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Practice self-care – Make time for activities you enjoy. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet. Your health is as important as your loved one’s health.
  • Know your limits – There may be certain caregiving tasks that you do not feel comfortable doing or cannot perform. Know your limits, and ask for help when you need it.
  • Consider palliative care – Palliative care helps address pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that go beyond what caregivers can help with. This also can give caregivers a much-needed break.

Resources for caregivers

There are times when you will need to lean on the support and help of others to cope with caregiving. Here are some valuable resources to consider.3,4

Support groups

Support groups are safe spaces that can give you emotional relief and a sense of community. Sharing experiences with others who are in similar situations can help you feel less isolated. People often gain practical advice and coping strategies in these groups.3,4

Respite care

Respite care offers temporary relief in the form of professional caregiving services. This can give you time to recharge. Respite care can be given in the home, in adult day care centers, or in nursing homes.3,4

Professional counseling

Meeting with a counselor or therapist can help you navigate the emotional challenges of caregiving. A mental health professional can provide support, coping strategies, and tools to manage stress and prevent burnout.3,4

Healthcare team

Reach out to your loved one’s healthcare team for guidance and support. They can provide useful information, connect you with local resources, and help you understand the medical aspects of NASH.3,4