Parent caregivers face double the risk for developing mental health disorders and burnout compared to parents of children without special needs or disabilities. In fact, 1 in 3 special needs parents develop clinical anxiety and depression. Burnout, depression, and anxiety can look similar and often overlap. Studies show that 60% of caregivers experience symptoms of burnout. Could you be suffering from caregiving burnout? Consider these symptoms and take our free assessment and learn your burnout risk score.
Make sure to also read our next upcoming post, “How to Address Caregiver Burnout and Lower Your Risk.”
Take the FREE Caregiver Stress and Burnout Assessment and receive your risk score.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
- Emotional exhaustion or numbness
- Physical fatigue and frequent illnesses
- Withdrawing socially
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Eating more or less than usual or changes in weight
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Feeling apathetic
- Irritability, frustration or anger toward others
Take our FREE Caregiver Stress and Burnout Risk Assessment
The symptoms of caregiver burnout and clinical mental health disorders can look very similar and often overlap. If you are concerned about your emotional or mental wellbeing, please seek a mental health consultation as soon as possible. Find a provider in your area.
*If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Download our FREE Guide to decide if counseling might help you.
***This assessment and your assessment score are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be an official clinical diagnosis in any way. This document and survey are not a substitute for seeking a professional medical or mental health consultation or treatment.
Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW is an award-winning author, national speaker, Licensed Master Social Worker, and a special needs mom. She is passionate about empowering caregiving parents with the skills to thrive, as well as equipping the professionals and ministry leaders who support them. Kristin and her husband recently released their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities. She has served in ministry for over a decade and is experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis interventions.
References
Cleveland Clinic, “Caregiver Burnout,” (2023), https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout
National Institute of Mental Health, “Mental Health: Do I Need Help?” https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help
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