SELF CARE FOR CAREGIVERS

Shaunie Haynes, LMSWDera Baskin, CD

WHAT IS STRESS?A demand for change in the body, mind, or an emotional

adjustment to the environment.

Stress can be POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE!

SIMPLY PUT….It is the body’s response to

ANYTHING that forces you to change

To work better with others, RED needs to _________

•Slow Down (Where have I heard that before?)•Get it Done RIGHT•Listen WELL•Evaluate

•Dream vs. Details

•Pick ONE Person as the Boss•Slow Down•Relax

•High Pressure

•Engage the Yellow•Praise the Yellow•Be Spontaneous•Allow Yellow to Participate

•Crazy Fast Pace• Develop Rapport•Show Appreciation•Provide a Secure Environment•Promote Openness

•Master / Slave

HOW STRESS AFFECTS YOU The stress response is the body’s way of

protecting you.

The stress response also helps you rise to meet challenges.

But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS Emotional Symptoms Cognitive Symptoms

Moodiness Irritability or short

temper Agitation, inability to

relax Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneliness

and isolation Depression or

general unhappiness

Memory problems Inability to

concentrate Poor judgment Seeing only the

negative Anxious or racing

thoughts Constant worrying

SYMPTOMS OF STRESSPhysical Symptoms Behavioral Symptoms

Aches and pains Diarrhea or

constipation Nausea, dizziness Chest pain, rapid

heartbeat Loss of sex drive Frequent colds Headaches Vision problems

Eating more or less Sleeping too much or

too little Isolating yourself from

others Procrastinating or

neglecting responsibilities

Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax

Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

SELF-CARE

Any activities and/or practices that you do on a regular basis to maintain and improve your health

and well-being.

ALL THESE ARE INTERCONNECTED

Balance is necessary!

THE LACK OF SELF CARE Pain of any kind Heart disease Digestive

problems Sleep problems Anxiety High Blood

pressure Aggression Anger

Depression Obesity Autoimmune

diseases Skin conditions,

such as eczema Infections Stroke Use or Increased use

of alcohol and drugs

CARE GIVER SYNDROME

A condition of exhaustion, anger, rage, or guilt that

results from unrelieved caring for a chronically ill dependent.

Also known as care giver stress

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR STATISATICS HANDOUT

THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR SELF-CARE Exercise Massage Spa day Call a friend Lunch with a

friend Play a game Self talk Start a support

group

Dance Sing Journal Deep breathing Meditate Pray Muscle

relaxation Rest/time out

BENEFITS OF SELF CARE

Support systems (family , friends co-workers, neighbors, community and religious organizations/affiliations)

Enhanced quality of life (live longer, purposeful living with productivity)

Reduced mental health issues: (less mood swings, relaxed mind, less anxiety or guilt)

Better physical health ( more energy, reduced diseases/illness, stronger immune system, mental clarity

Self improvements(increased self awareness, higher self esteem/confidence, personal development and growth, self acceptance and approval )

INEXPENSIVE SELF CARE Lavender Peppermint Mental imagery Crying Free counseling

hotlines or centers Self talk Deep breathing Muscle relaxation Joke book (laugh) Stay present

Online support groups Deep Breathing Watch a comedy movie Take a walk Relaxation techniques

with Podcasts/music Write positive

affirmations on your mirror or post its

Chair yoga Calming tea Talk to someone

positive/supportive

•LISTEN•Be Prepared…Do Your Homework•Take Your Time•Do Not Trivialize Pessimism

•Separate Worlds

•Let the Red Talk (not take over, but contribute)•Get Involved•Stick to a Schedule

•Disconnection

•Take Turns•Actively Listen•Praise Freely•Establish and Use Written Guidelines

•Chaos• Wait for the Yellow to Answer•Actively Listen•Focus on the Relationship•Establish and Use Written Guidelines

•Care and Share

To work better with others, YELLOW needs to _________

http://www.thrivinginthemiddle.comwww.caregiver.orghttp://www.nfcacares.org/http://caring.comhttp://www.caregiverhomes.comhttp://www.polkcaregivers.org/statistics.php

AARP Public Policy Institute, Valuing the Invaluable: The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update, November 2008.Family Caregiver AllianceNational Family Caregivers(UB School of Social Work) http://www.socialwork.buffalo.edu/students/self-care/

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES http://www.thrivinginthemiddle.com www.caregiver.org http://www.nfcacares.org/ http://caring.com http://www.caregiverhomes.com http://www.polkcaregivers.org/statistics.php

AARP Public Policy Institute, Valuing the Invaluable: The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update, November 2008.

Family Caregiver Alliance National Family Caregivers (UB School of Social Work)

http://www.socialwork.buffalo.edu/students/self-care/