What would it be like to have a job that took up 24 hours of our day, is it the case of many adults who are forced to act as caregivers of another person in dependence, but watch, because this new role, in certain circumstances, can give rise to so-called caregiver syndrome.
The constant attention that the healthy person should pay to the addict can generate episodes of stress of different intensity, being one of the main pillars of this syndrome, collateral damage associated with the provision of continuous aids.
- It is a disorder that.
- Although still unknown.
- Has several very serious symptoms and consequences.
- Both physical and psychological.
- Its clinical picture is similar to burnout or work stress.
- A similar syndrome in health workers is called compassionate fatigue.
These people are often responsible for others who need constant help, and most importantly, it occurs in adults who need to care for people with some degree of neurological or psychiatric disorder. Patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, for example, need this dedication and continuity. Surveillance.
Therefore, one of the main characteristics of caregiver syndrome is the depletion of the psychic and physical environment of these people, their exhaustion is so great that their physical, psychological and social capacities are severely affected; In addition, if the caregiver co-exists under one roof, the wear and tear that is generated is getting faster, as it becomes much more complicated not to make care activity the center of his life.
Usually, a person does not become a caregiver voluntarily, so in the vast majority of cases this role is usually imposed or designated by the different circumstances of each person or family, so these adults suddenly end up with extra work. that suddenly and totally unexpectedly.
Some people are very prepared to face this new situation and take on this new role naturally, others do not have as many resources and are immersed, from the beginning, in a challenge that they consider inaccessible, feeling oppressed, they see their new role as an unbearable and very expensive difficulty, as a potentially exhaustive cross. In both cases, the addict becomes the center of his new life and begins to consume most of his time and energy.
Caring for someone without rest, or without the necessary rest, is a process of wear and tear, but it is even more difficult to involve abandonment. It is normal that, in the process, the caregiver gradually assumes the new tasks assigned to him, so it is necessary to create a new routine in which the priority becomes the dependent person, gradually does not have time for himself, he re-collects independence and surrenders.
In his free time, the person gradually gives up his free time. This reduces the time you spend on your hobbies and maintaining your family relationships. Also, close your circle of friends by spending less and less time with friends. Therefore, it can be completely isolated from the outside world.
New conflicts often arise in family relationships as a result of a new member’s membership in the family nucleus; irritability seems to be widespread among all the inhabitants of the house and discussions multiply; a new task split is also initiated, which usually does not. satisfy everyone in the same way.
As for work, there may be an increase in absenteeism, leave of office or even abandonment of employment, so the economic situation may be compromised. This exponentially increases the level of physical and mental overload, already accumulated in itself by the new situation of the caregiver.
Far from diminishing, this pressure and ongoing struggle increases day by day. Therefore, over time it becomes more difficult for the caregiver to face this acquired role with freshness, enthusiasm and pleasure. You begin to experience chronic fatigue, insomnia and mood swings. This results in deep feelings of constant sadness, anxiety and concern.
In general, these changes in the caregiver’s life are varied and can affect both short, medium and long term.
As the caregiver disappears into a routine he no longer pays attention to, stress, anxiety, tiredness and tiredness begin to appear, fertile ground for the onset of caregiver syndrome, which also increases his irritability and impatience. It also causes demotivation, anxiety, irascibility and even violence.
As a result, it can generate a number of negative attitudes and feelings toward the dependent, the caregiver may feel rejected by the caregiver, so it is essential that the caregiver is aware that he or she needs to protect himself or herself. , we can see how important it is to prevent the onset of caregiver syndrome, not only because it negatively affects the caregiver, but also because it can decrease the quality of life of the dependent, so this change has a double effect that needs to be taken care of, from consulting a professional for support in care tasks.