Burnt out Health Care Giver

[Guest_96793600]

I'm a healthcare giver, have been looking after people for over 43 years and always put other people first, so much so when it comes to myself, there's nothing left in the tank. I'm burnt out. Done.

It's very difficult to have a regular exercise routine when I work shift work and am exhausted by the time  get home. Eating sensibly and regular exercise requires discipline, determination and organisation - yet I know it makes me feel good when I apply myself. I am 15-20 kgs over my healthy weight range, feel like a beached whale and totally unattractive. I am good at my job and am mostly appreciated at work but feel there has got to be more to life. I have friends and family but cannot really express how badly I feel about myself. I see a Psychologist usually once per month but this does not help much. I'm on anti anxiety medications but tend to resort to alcohol more than I should which does not help the situation. I just don't know how to get my Mojo back and strengthen my will power muscle. I'd appreciate any pearls of wisdom in the vain hope that I can put into action some strategies and feel better about myself before it's too late.

[Croix]

Dear New Member~

I'd like to give you a warm welcome here at the Forum. I'm sure if you look around you will find others in similar situations and how htey coped.

It takes a certain type of person to look after others, and by and large that is a 'giving' occupation where you draw on you own strengths give htat care . You have v=been doing htat for a very long time i=and it is not surprising htat you are finding you are not an inexhaustible well of strenght.

I was in a similar situation and hung on far to long, eventually having to leave work (no choice) as I was incapable of continuing. This hanging on made me a lot worse than if I'd taken action earlier and made me much more difficult to treat.

At least you have  seen the warning signs and know oyu are burnt our, have problems with drink and do not benefit from the particular psychologist you are seeing.

I'm afraid the only way I know to replenish your strenght and see work as more pleasurable, effective and worthwhile to to step away for a while. I'm not saying that is the answer for everybody, just it was what I needed. Work took more and more and I had less and less to give.

Is htere any possibility of doing a different job if your organisation is large enough, or perhaps to work part time or day shift only? Another alternative may be open to you is takng long service leave.

I fully realize this may not be practical, one does need money after all, however I'm not sure other measures will be effective. I can say if your psychologist is no help them consider changing to another. You are in charge after all and paying for something that  does not assist you seems a waste.

Once the main cause of your problems is removed all the other things that you need, exercise, good nutrition and getting rid of constant fatigue become easier to concentrate on.  

What do you think?

Croix