CAREGIVER BURNOUT

Caregiver Burnout and Its Affect on Elderly People with Depression



Caregiver Burnout and Its Affect on Elderly People with Depression

Introduction

Burnout is a syndrome characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment that occurs frequently among individuals who do 'people-work' of some kind. Several negative physical health consequences have been observed, including a variety of stress-related symptoms and increased substance use. In addition, several mental health outcomes are associated with burnout as well, such as increased risk of feelings of anxiety, depression and lowered self-esteem.

The burnout syndrome is trendy and in the field of medicine many recent publications are appearing on the subject, both in the form of reviews and research papers. These publications are about possible causes or solutions and are fairly general, but less attention is paid to what the doctor can learn to do, personally, to prevent it. This paper attempts to explore the dangers of burnout amongst caregivers catering the depressed elderly population. The paper also proposes some coping strategies for the syndrome.

Background of the problem

Becoming a caregiver (nurse, doctor, family, counselor, etc) for others can be very rewarding and fulfilling. However, caring for those in need can also lead to severe stress and burnout in all areas of nursing. In 1992 Joinson, a nurse, described the phenomenon of compassion fatigue (CF) as a unique form of burnout that affects people in caregiving professions. Figley (1995) defined it as a secondary traumatic stress reaction resulting from helping or desiring to help a person suffering from traumatic events. Its symptomology is nearly identical to that of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), except CF applies to caregivers who were affected by the trauma of others. Caregivers with CF may develop a preoccupation with their patients by re-experiencing their trauma; they can develop signs of persistent arousal and anxiety as a result of this secondary trauma (Almberg, Grafström & Winblad, 1997). Examples of this arousal can include difficulty falling or staying asleep, irritability or outbursts of anger, and/or exaggerated startle responses. Most importantly, these caregivers ultimately experience a reduced capacity for, or interest in being empathic toward the suffering of others. Scholars differ in their perspectives of CF especially at it relates to burnout. However, they tend to agree that in general CF has a more sudden and acute onset than burnout, a condition that gradually wears down caregivers who are overwhelmed and unable to effect positive change. Understanding CF can empower nurses to utilize preventive measures that promote self care, improve patient outcomes, and optimize therapeutic relationships.

Burnout Syndrome is a preventable and treatable phenomenon; yet, it is also a phenomenon impacted by factors such as cultural beliefs and societal caregiving role expectations that are beyond the nurse-patient relationship (Beach, Jones, Franklin, Gotlib & Hammen, 2009). Although numerous models have been developed to guide researchers in better understanding this phenomenon of CF, further clarification of these constructs is still needed. For example, empathy is an important construct for nursing care; yet disturbing its balance can ...