11/12/2025
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that happens while you’re taking care of someone else. Stressed caregivers may experience fatigue, anxiety and depression. You can reduce your risk of burnout by participating in respite care, joining a support group or talking with a mental health professional.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent caregiver burnout:
Find someone you trust. It helps to talk about your feelings and frustrations with someone else, whether it be a friend, family member, mental health professional or social worker.
Set realistic goals. It’s important to accept that you may need assistance with caregiving, especially if you’re trying to balance other responsibilities with work and family. You may not be able to assume all the caregiving responsibilities single-handedly. Others might be able to help you with some tasks. Set a routine, know your limits and be honest with yourself about your situation. Recognize and assess your risk for burnout.
Learn more. You may feel more comfortable providing care when you have the knowledge and understanding of the condition that affects the person you’re caring for. Be realistic about your loved one’s condition, especially if it’s a progressive disease like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Acknowledge that there may come a time when they require nursing services or assisted living outside the family home.
Take care of yourself. While you’re taking care of someone else, make sure your needs are met first. It’s the same concept that you hear in airline safety demonstrations: Put your oxygen mask on before helping others. Set aside time for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury.
Eat well. It’s easy to forget to eat three complete meals each day when you’re providing for someone else. Eating healthy foods keeps your energy up so you perform at your best.
Accept your feelings. Having negative feelings is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or a bad caregiver. If your feelings are overwhelming, reach out for help.