caregiver stress + burnout
Therapy for Caregiver Stress
in NYC
It’s time to let someone care for you, too.
You’re not alone
who is considered a caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person in need. This may include a child, aging parent, partner or spouse, relative, or friend. Caregiving often involves providing help in the person’s daily life. Examples include helping the person to eat, drink, bathe, get dressed, take medications, and get to and from medical appointments.
Oftentimes, caregivers don’t choose to become caregivers. Certain life circumstances may force an individual into a caretaking role. This could look like an ill or disabled child, spouse, family member, parent, close friend or neighbor.
Caregiver stress and burnout can also impact paid caregivers who have chosen to go into a helping profession. Professional caregivers are often underpaid and work long hours that take them away from their own families.
How many caregivers are in New York City?
There are an estimated 900,000 to 1.3 million caregivers in New York City. The majority of the caregivers work full time while also caring for a loved one or family members. According to the Department of Health of New York State, 70% of caregivers reported negative mental health symptoms. 55% reported anxiety or depression and 32% reported suicidal thoughts.
Caregiver stress and burnout is common among those who give much of themselves to others. Unfortunately, the effects of caregiver stress on one’s mental health may not be recognized as legitimate concerns. When the focus is on an individual with a serious disability or illness, it can be challenging to ask others for help.
What is caregiver stress?
Common Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
As a caregiver, you may not feel able to take breaks or think about your own well-being. Due to a habitual focus on the needs of the individual requiring constant care, your own needs may suffer.
Caregivers are often expected to be “on call” all day. As a result, this can leave little time for friends, family, or taking care of one’s own needs and interests.
Many family caregivers find themselves in impossible situations with a lot of responsibility. Factors such as finances, living situations, guilt, fear, or anxiety about being unable to meet all the needs of their loved ones are common. Often, issues may be further compounded by needing others’ help to care for their loved ones.
Caregiver stress describes the physiological, emotional and mental fatigue from caring for others.
Here are the signs and symptoms that a someone with caregiver stress may experience:
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Always feeling concerned or overwhelmed
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Often feeling exhausted and weary
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Having trouble sleeping
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Sleeping too much or too little
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Feeling alone or isolated from others
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Excessive weight gain or weight loss
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Becoming easily irritable or quick to anger
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Losing interest in friends and previously enjoyed activities
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Depression and anxiety
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Having headaches, body discomfort, or other physical issues regularly
If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms from the list, it can be a sign that you may benefit from seeking professional help.
THERAPISTS WHO CAN HELP
Therapists Who Specialize in Therapy for Caregiver Stress in NYC
Connecting with the right therapist is the most important factor in your search. We’re here to help you find a great match.
What Does Therapy for caregiver stress in NYC Look Like?
At Clarity Therapy, we recognize the unique challenges that may arise as a caregiver in New York City. Our licensed psychotherapists have experience helping clients who are caregivers for those with disabilities, chronic pain, terminal illness, and more. Therapy with a trained professional can help caregivers in better meeting their own needs while caring for others.
Our NYC psychotherapists tailor various therapeutic approaches to your specific needs. In addition to supportive counseling, you’ll gain tools for stress management, improving communication skills, setting boundaries, reducing negative feelings, prioritizing self-care, and much more.
Helpful Tips to combat caregiver stress & burnout
If you’re not ready to start therapy, there are some practical steps you can take today to feel better.
Nonprofit associations like the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Family Caregiver Alliance offer free resources to help caregivers. Learning about how to better care for yourself while caring for others is an important step in managing stress and burnout.
One way to fight caregiver burnout is developing a strong support network that you interact with regularly. Support groups are a good place to share your feelings with people who are facing similar situations. A supportive group of like-minded individuals can help you feel grounded and hopeful. Check out this list of 23 online and in-person support groups for caregivers. Many hospitals, clinics, and religious organizations also provide resources and support groups for caregivers.
Checking in with yourself about your own needs and personal barriers is another great strategy. Take time for yourself to do things you enjoy. Setting aside just 10-15 minutes a day for yourself can make a big difference. Whether you go for a walk in nature, or engage in a relaxing activity like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. One study found that caregivers who practiced yoga for 8 weeks experienced reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. The idea is to do something that you enjoy and find pleasant.
Are you a caregiver who could use more support?
We can help.
You don’t have to struggle alone. It’s time to let someone take care of you. Schedule a free phone consultation with a psychotherapist who specializes in therapy for caregiver stress in NYC today.