Have you ever heard the airplane instructions to “put on your own oxygen mask before helping your child”? This powerful metaphor highlights the importance of self-care so you can better care for others.
As we close out May, we want to recognize the mental health of caregivers and address the topic of caregiver burnout. Caregiver Burnout is a feeling of mental and physical exhaustion caused through the care of another person. Caregivers often prioritize the needs of those they care for, sometimes neglecting their own mental health, physical health, and hygiene. Caring for a child may lead to even higher emotions, more stress, and feelings of helplessness. Sound familiar? Read below for additional symptoms.
What does caregiver burnout look like?
- Feeling anxious or depressed, exhausted
- Losing a feeling of control in one’s life
- Avoiding social activities, and things which you once enjoyed
- Neglecting self-care, hygiene, and one’s health for the sake of the person they care for
- Being resentful and angry in daily life and the person which you care about regardless of how much you love them
- A feeling of guilt when you spend time without the person you care for
How to prevent burnout:
Get support from family and friends: Delegate tasks such as school or therapy drop-off or doctor visits when possible.
Join a support group: You are not alone, join a local support group for parents and caregivers of Autistic Children
Take care of your health: Attend doctor appointments or counseling as needed.
Local Support Groups for Parents and Caregivers:
Parent support group in the Renton area: Maple Valley Autism Parent Support Group
- Location: Maple Valley
- About: For families with children experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Renton area
- Contact: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336121876521178/
Parent Support Group in the North Seattle Area: Mountlake Terrace Autism Parents Participating Learning Encouraging (APPLE) Group
- Location: Mountlake Terrace
- About: For families with children with Autism Spectrum
- Disorder Contact information: Email joysofautism@comcast.net
Parent Support Group in the Tacoma Area: Tacoma Autism and Tourette’s Family Support Group
- Location: Tacoma
- About: For families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tacoma Area
- Contact information: Email carlacrichards@yahoo.com
Other Resources for Family Support:
Open Doors for Multicultural Families
Resource Guide : The Arc of King County
FOCS – Families of Color Seattle (focseattle.org)
Vietnamese Family Autism Advisory Board
Sources:
Seattle Children’s: Autism and Parent Support Groups