It can be overwhelming having a chronic illness like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis. Chronic conditions often involve ongoing pain management and limitations on daily activities, not to mention healthcare appointments, medication management, treatment, and other daily stressors that can pile up.
It’s normal for both patients and caregivers to feel tired when managing a chronic illness. Once you learn and recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic illness burnout, you can develop strategies to manage it.
What Is Chronic Illness Burnout?
Chronic illness burnout is the feeling of exhaustion emotionally, physically, and/or mentally due to persistent and prolonged stress from managing a chronic condition or caring for someone who has one.
The relentless nature of chronic illness management can take a toll on anyone. Among adults in the U.S., more than half have at least one chronic disease, and many people have multiple. There can be 24/7 demands, and chronic illnesses tend to last at least a year. Some illnesses get worse over time.
When you feel like you have nothing more to give, it can affect every aspect of your life. Understandably, it can also lead to decreased adherence to treatment plans and missed appointments because everything can feel like too much.
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Illness Burnout
The signs and symptoms of chronic illness burnout can look similar to depression, so it can be hard to tell the two apart. Scientists say the same feelings and symptoms experienced with burnout are related to other mental health conditions, and that burnout itself can increase the risk of depression.
Some signs and symptoms of chronic illness burnout include:
- Feelings of being tired of living with a chronic illness
- Feeling negative emotions about tasks or treatments related to the condition or finding it hard to concentrate
- Anxiety, tension, and frustration
- Trouble sleeping
- Withdrawing from social interaction
- Decreased motivation
- Difficulty with daily activities that were once manageable
- Physical symptoms like fatigue, digestive problems, body aches, and headache
It can be hard to diagnose burnout because there isn’t an official medical definition of burnout. There also isn’t a single set of questions healthcare providers can ask to measure and screen for burnout to differentiate it from other health conditions. This is because the questionnaires available have symptoms that can be attributed to other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider who can determine when there’s also an underlying mental health condition along with feeling burned out so that the appropriate treatment can be started.
Chronic Illness Management Strategies for Burnout
When patients and caregivers are struggling with burnout, there are steps to take to start feeling better. Here are some chronic illness burnout strategies to try.
Seeking Therapy for Chronic Illness
Look for support groups or therapists. Therapy for chronic illness can provide healthy coping mechanisms, emotional processing, and strategies for navigating the burden of chronic conditions. Support groups can bring together people who are experiencing similar situations to validate feelings and provide a sense of community that you don’t have to do this alone.
Using the Spoon Theory for Chronic Illness
The spoon theory is a concept that someone with a chronic illness or their caregiver only has a certain number of spoons—that represent a limited amount of energy each day—they can dedicate to managing symptoms and care. They have to use these spoons wisely and prioritize the most important tasks first, such as going to appointments or doing therapy and treatments. This helps people pace themselves and communicate their energy limitations to others.
Prioritizing Self-Care
It can feel impossible trying to find time for self-care when you feel like you can only focus on handling the illness. But self-care doesn’t have to be a big event, especially if money, time, or energy is limited. Consider taking a break during the day to try these:
- Gentle Movement: If applicable and healthcare provider-approved, try taking short walks, stretching your joints and muscles, or practicing yoga. Research suggests tai chi can be helpful for people experiencing chronic pain. For patients and caregivers alike, moving in different ways can release tension in your tired, stressed body.
- Mindful Breathing Exercises: These exercises can ease both the physical and mental burnout of managing a chronic illness. Studies show that certain breathing practices can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Deep breathing can help you bring fresh air into your body and take a moment to calm your mind.
- Respite Activities: Engage in hobbies and pastimes that give your mind and body a break from responsibility, such as drawing, knitting, bird-watching, or going to the movies.
Preparing for Tough Procedures
Mentally preparing for an upcoming surgery or treatment that you anticipate will need all your concentration or drain all your energy can help mitigate burnout. Schedule these appointments when you don’t have other commitments.
Chronic Illness Management for Seniors: Unique Considerations and Support
Chronic illness management for seniors can look a little different because being older can bring unique challenges. Chronic illness burnout can also present differently or feel worse for seniors because of factors including:
- Being on multiple medications, known as polypharmacy
- Increased risk for isolation
- Decreased mobility
- Emotional toll on family caregivers
Here are some ways seniors and caregivers can manage chronic illness burnout:
Specialized In-Home Support
Professional in-home care services like skilled nursing and in-home personal care can help relieve some of the burden from both seniors and their caregivers. Some services that can be taken off your plate include assistance with medication reminders, transportation to appointments, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
Cognitive Support
Cognitive engagement activities like music, card games, board games and reading can help decrease feelings of isolation and maintain mental well-being, which can help reduce burnout.
Caregiver Relief
Getting outside support through companion services can alleviate the burden on caregivers and be a refreshing change for seniors. This can improve the overall well-being of the senior, while also lessening stress for the family caregiver over time.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth, or seeing a healthcare provider without going to an office, can be a valuable tool for chronic illness management for seniors and their caregivers. Seeing a provider virtually or over the phone allows for remote monitoring and support and reduces the need for coordinating transportation.
BrightStar Care® Can Provide You ith the Relief You Need
BrightStar Care caregivers are here to support you mentally and physically. Whether you're looking for in-home care services for your loved one, respite care services, or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.