10 SYMPTOMS OF CAREGIVER STRESS


1. Denial about the disease and it's effect on the person who's been diagnosed
I know Mom is going to get better.

2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer's or others, anger that no cure exists and anger that people don't understand what's going on
If he asks me that question one more time, I'll scream!

3. Social withdrawal from friends and activites that once brought pleasures
I don't care about getting together with the neighbors anymore.

4. Anxiety about facing another day and what the future holds
What happens when he needs more care that I can provide?

5. Depression that begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
I don't care anymore.

6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks
I'm too tired for this.

7. Sleeplessness cause by a never-ending list of concerns
What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?

8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions.
Leave me alone!

9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
I was so buys, I forgot we had an appointment.

10. Health problems that begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically
I can't remember the last time I felt good.

© Alzheimer's Associatoin 2006. All rights reserved.