Advice & Support Dealing with Fatigue

Dealing with Caregiver Fatigue

CP Support Canada is a place where you can ask questions, connect with families facing similar challenges and gain insight to help a child with cerebral palsy thrive.

When your child has cerebral palsy, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or worrying about your child’s future. You may feel like you don’t have the support or resources that your child needs or that there is more to take on both physically and financially than you feel you can provide. Feeling this way can take a toll on your physical and mental health, leading to exhaustion and burnout, which can affect your relationships and ability to care for your child.

That’s why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Cultivating your own emotional and physical well-being is just as important as making sure your child gets the care and support he or she needs to thrive.

Do you have caregiver fatigue?

Caregiver fatigue arises from both internal and external factors. This can be caused by worrying about finances, the future, or feeling there is a lack of support or understanding from others. Unrealistic demands and expectations that you place on yourself or that are placed on you by others can also lead to caregiver fatigue. Further, parents often put the needs of their children ahead of their own, neglecting their own wellbeing. Caregiver fatigue can quickly lead to burnout, affecting your ability to care for both yourself and your child.

While fatigue and burnout tend to show up more often around transition periods such as after a recent diagnosis, following medical procedures or starting school, it can happen at any point over your caregiving journey.

Signs that you may be experiencing caregiver fatigue or burnout

Constantly feeling exhausted and/or overwhelmed.
Major changes in your sleep patterns, appetite and/or weight.
Difficulty relaxing even when additional help is available.
Less energy than you once had.
Constantly feeling run down and getting sick.
Long periods of neglecting your responsibilities or personal needs.
Feeling helpless or hopeless.
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Withdrawing from friends, family and other loved ones.
Increased anxiety, depression, irritability and/or impatience.

How to Avoid Burning Out

While caring for a child with cerebral palsy will never be completely stress-free, there are steps you can take to regain a sense of balance, joy and hope in your and your child’s life. Here are some steps to take to help alleviate caregiver fatigue and burnout:

Maintain your hobbies and interests.

The day to day demands of caring for your child can easily take over your life. However, prioritizing the other areas of your life that you find rewarding, be it your favourite hobby, sport or your career, will help you feel more joy and fulfillment in your life.

Exercise, eat well, and prioritize sleep.

When you feel well physically, you will feel better mentally. Exercising for just 30 minutes a day is a powerful stress reliever and mood enhancer. Also, nourishing your body with healthy foods that will fuel you with steady energy (unlike junk food and caffeine) can make a huge difference too. When possible, try to maintain a consistent sleep routine to allow your body and mind to rest and recuperate.

Establish a routine.

Celebrate the small victories.

Take a moment to reflect on the ways caring for and learning how to support your child has made you stronger or how it has brought you closer to your child and your family. Look for the positive outcomes you have in your and your child’s life and you will begin to feel grateful for what is going well. Something as seemingly small as making your child feel comfortable and loved deserves recognition.

Ask for help.

Asking for additional support from family and friends can be one of the hardest things to do. It may be that family and friends want to help but don’t know how. Keep in mind that taking a break can sometimes be the best thing you can do for yourself and your child, allowing you to return to providing care feeling refreshed and rested. Also, asking for support from a family member or friend, to run a few errands for you or meet you for a cup of tea, can help you reconnect with these important people in your life.

Looking to connect with other families who understand what you're going through?

Join the CP Support Canada Facebook Parent Group

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CP Smile Project

The CP Smile Project is a community project that helps ensure children with cerebral palsy have access to recreational opportunities that allow them to engage in play and community involvement. We give monthly bursaries to families to help them provide the support needed for their child to engage in play and have fun.