Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

As well as causing pain, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause symptoms like depression, anxiety and anger. As a caregiver for someone with RA, the physical strain combined with the heartbreak of watching someone you love struggling can easily lead to caregiver burnout.

In addition to the tips listed below for preventing burnout, remember that feelings of frustration, anger, resentment, and as a result of these, guilt, are all normal emotions to experience as a caregiver.

Talk about these feelings with someone who will understand, whether that person is a therapist, a fellow RA caregiver, or a someone at a support organization. Stifling these emotions isn’t good for your mental health, and can make you a less effective caregiver.

Also remember that your best is all you can do. Your loved one appreciates your support, probably more than you know.