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One of the most selfless, yet sometimes hardest, things to do is care for a loved one. Caregivers are frequently referred to as the “hidden client” (Roche & Palmer, 2009). In India, where there is a strong feeling of familial responsibility, caregivers frequently prioritise the needs of others before their own. This unwavering commitment may result in compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout, which can have an adverse effect on the mental and physical well-being of the caregiver as well as their capacity to deliver quality care.
With the growth of online counselling and support services, caregivers may now manage these issues from the comfort of their homes with the help of resources. In-depth discussions on caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue will be provided in this blog, along with information on how online support can be a lifesaver for caregivers in India.
Understanding Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
Caregiver burnout is a condition of extreme physical, emotional, and mental tiredness that can also result in a shift in attitude from upbeat and concerned to pessimistic and indifferent. This condition arises when caregivers attempt to take on more than their physical, emotional and financial capacity, or when they do not receive the necessary support.
Caregiving stress can eventually wear you down and cause you to feel angry, frustrated, tired, and even depressed. Research shows that there is a strong relationship between burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, and depression, poor subjective health, and perpetrating physical violence (Gérain & Zech, 2021).
Conversely, Compassion Fatigue is frequently described as the "cost of caring." It can impact caregivers of all levels, but especially those whose jobs demand a great deal of emotional intelligence and empathy. In contrast to burnout, which develops gradually, compassion fatigue can happen all at once, leaving caregivers feeling cold, numb, and unable to relate to the people they are caring for.
In India, where there is often great pressure to support family members, caregivers are prone to both problems. In a study conducted in a city in India assessing the level of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among family caregivers of patients undergoing chemotherapy it was seen that the majority of participants (92.5%) had high compassion fatigue and only (7.5%) had moderate levels (Murkute & Veer, 2021).
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Another study found that almost 29% and 11%, respectively, of the informal caregivers reported having poor self-rated health (SRH) and depressive symptoms. It has been determined that nearly half of caregivers who give care for more than 40 hours per week suffer from symptoms of depression (Chakraborty et al., 2023). The stigma associated with getting mental health treatment increases the issue by making it harder for caregivers to admit they are struggling and ask for help.
Common Types of Caregiver Burnout
1. Physical Burnout
When caregivers endure chronic physical stress as a result of the demands of their role, physical burnout occurs. This might show up as immune system weakness, sleeplessness, and persistent exhaustion, which makes caretakers more prone to sickness. The physical demands can be especially high in India, where caring for older family members frequently entails managing their needs.
2. Emotional Burnout
Feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, and an overpowering sense of failure are characteristics of emotional exhaustion. Emotionally spent and estranged from their loved ones, caregivers may experience strained relationships and a reduction in their capacity to deliver quality care. In India, where cultural norms frequently demand that caregivers should not display evidence of emotional weakness, burnout of this kind is not uncommon.
3. Financial Burnout
Caregiving can also become financially taxing, particularly in India where access to quality, reasonably priced healthcare is frequently restricted. When caregivers experience financial burnout, they become stressed, anxious, and feel insecure about their financial future because they are unable to keep up with the expenses of giving care. Because it intensifies an already stressful situation, this kind of burnout can be very tough to deal with.
4. Mental Burnout
The cognitive pressure that caretakers endure from continuously making decisions, solving problems, and tending to the needs of others is referred to as mental burnout. This may result in memory issues, concentration issues, and a feeling of mental exhaustion. In India, where providing care frequently entails juggling a number of obligations, mental exhaustion is a prevalent problem.
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Steps to Treat Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
1. Recognize the Signs
Identifying the signs is the first step in managing compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout. These could include persistent exhaustion, agitation, irregular sleep patterns, and a depressing feeling. It is important for caregivers to recognize their emotions and realise that asking for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness in India, where talking openly about mental health issues is frequently stigmatised.
2. Seek Professional Support
Caregivers can easily and conveniently obtain support through online therapy and counselling services. Caretakers can benefit from specialised counselling sessions offered by platforms such as Rocket Health India, which can help them manage stress, develop resilience, and create coping mechanisms. Expert assistance can have a big impact by giving caregivers the resources they need to deal with obstacles in an efficient manner.
3. Practice Self-Care
Taking care of oneself is crucial to avoiding burnout. Caregivers should schedule leisure time for enjoyable and stress-relieving pursuits, such as reading, meditation, working out, or socialising with friends. A study amongst the caregivers of cancer patients showed that higher levels of self-care and resilience has been associated with lower experienced caregiver burden (Van Roij et al., 2021). Caregivers in India frequently put the needs of others before their own, thus it's critical to realize that looking after oneself is not selfish but rather essential to deliver quality care.
4. Set Boundaries
In order to avoid burnout, it is essential to establish healthy boundaries. When feeling overburdened, caregivers should learn to say no and, when feasible, assign tasks to others. Setting limits can be difficult but is essential for preserving one's wellbeing, especially in India where there can be a strong expectation to be there for family members at all times.
5. Join Support Groups and Group Therapy Sessions
Developing relationships with other caregivers going through similar struggles helps foster understanding and a sense of community. Caretakers can share their experiences, learn from others' experiences, and get emotional support from people who are in similar circumstances by participating in online support groups like those provided by Rocket Health India. They can also participate in group therapy sessions. A study by Das et al. (2020) evaluating the effects of group therapy on caregivers of dementia patients found that after learning more effective management techniques to address the patients' behaviouralbehavioral issues, caregivers felt less burdened by their caregiving responsibilities.
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6. Educate Yourself
Stress and worry can be lessened by being aware of the conditions of those you are caring for. In order to feel more in control and more capable of handling their responsibilities, caregivers should educate themselves about the illnesses or ailments they are managing. Gaining this expertise can be facilitated by using online resources, such as Rocket Health India's webinars and educational blogs.
Why Online Therapy for Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue?
For caregivers who might not have the time or means to attend in-person sessions, online therapy provides a convenient and easily accessible option. Online therapy offers a handy alternative for people in India who may find it difficult to receive mental health services due to traffic and lengthy commutes. It relieves caregivers of the burden of having to travel and lets them receive support when and when they need it, all from the comfort of their own homes.
A variety of online therapy services are available from Rocket Health India, tailored especially for caregivers. These programs are designed specifically to address the special difficulties experienced by caregivers, offering them the psychological support and useful techniques they require to deal with compassion fatigue and burnout.
Why Rocket Health India Can Help
Rocket Health India is dedicated to helping carers on their path. Our platform provides individualised online therapy sessions with certified specialists who are aware of the social and cultural constraints that Indian caregivers must contend with. We offer a private, secure environment where caregivers may examine their issues, express their emotions, and create useful coping skills. Research shows that therapist-guided internet based cognitive behaviour therapy can be beneficial in lowering stress, anxiety, depression, and caregiver load while also enhancing quality of life (Biliunaite et al., 2021).
In addition, our programs allow caregivers access to self-care tools, educational materials, and online support groups—all of which are intended to empower them and encourage their continued wellbeing. Caregivers can get the assistance they require from Rocket Health India to carry on giving care without endangering their own health.
Conclusion
Compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout are grave concerns that can afflict anyone giving a loved one long-term care. It is important to recognise the indicators and seek support, especially in India where caregivers may face extremely high expectations. Rocket Health India offers online therapy and support services that give caregivers the tools and resources they need to properly manage their issues.
Caregivers can safeguard their own wellbeing while providing care for their loved ones by emphasising self-care, establishing healthy boundaries, and establishing a connection with expert assistance. For individuals who give so much of themselves, Rocket Health India is here to support them with kindness and cultural sensitivity.
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