From an evolutionary standpoint, the human body is designed for short bursts of stress like running away from dangerous situations, such as a forest fire. For caregivers, high stress levels are continual. And frankly, our bodies aren't made to withstand such constant wear and tear. The strong feelings associated with caregiving, which can run the gamut from devotion to guilt, can cloud our judgment. The first step in being a great caregiver is recognizing your own abilities and limitations—and avoiding caregiver burnout.

As a caregiver, you are only as good as the care you can provide. Oftentimes this is based on factors outside your control. You will get tired. You will get frustrated. You will need help. You're allowed to have these thoughts and feelings.

Recognizing Caregiver Burnout
So how do you know when passing frustration has fizzled into a burnout situation? Early signs are similar to depression; caregivers can vacillate between anger, anxiety, sadness and irritability. Feelings of physical and emotional exhaustion, along with changes in weight are also hallmarks. Keep in mind that a depressed mind can make for a depressed immune system; getting sick frequently could be another warning sign. One of the greatest ironies of caregiving is that the caregiver's health concerns are often overlooked because the caregiver isn't the one who is "sick" or "needs help." Many family caregivers are reluctant to “waste time” for their own doctor visits. If any of these symptoms grow in frequency or intensity, then it's time to seek help.

Asking for Help
Although it's noble to place someone else's needs above your own it is not always feasible—or right. It's common for adult children to feel obligated to look after their parent, even when they are unqualified or ill-equipped to do so. The reality is that caregiving is a major undertaking. If you want to provide good care, ask for assistance from your family, friends and outside resources. You can be the primary caregiver and not be there every minute of the day. Share responsibilities when you can.

Accepting—and Seeking Out—Support
Support groups can provide family caregivers with a place to discuss their feelings openly, help monitor the effectiveness of coping strategies, and let caregivers know they are not alone. Type "caregiver support groups" into any Internet search engine and refine the results by your geographic location and other factors that are important to you. You can even refine it by illness or condition, such as "Alzheimer's support group" or "Parkinson's support group."

Remember, keep your sense of humor and look for the small joys that come your way throughout the day!