One of the major reasons for caregiver stress is the new and challenging demands on a caregiver’s time. You may be spending more and more of your day alone and seeing to the needs of your loved one, or even juggling family and professional time with caregiving time and you may be doing so with no respite in sight. Whatever your unique situation, it is certain that as a primary caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you are making increasing concessions with your own time, and in danger of stretching yourself too thin on your loved one’s behalf. Here are some of the signs:

1. Excessive anxiety and tension
   

   Finding yourself constantly worried about what the next day may bring, or unable to relax at the end of a long day of caregiving is a sure sign that you have taken on more than you can manage.

2. Debilitating depression
   

   Feeling down about your loved one’s condition is normal, but an inability to pull yourself out of a low is not, and may be a sign that you need to seek professional help for your state of mind.

3. Persistent anger or guilt
   

   Caregiving will try your patience at times, and cause you to feel angry at the disease, your loved one, and even at yourself – which can lead you to experience feelings of guilt. If you find these emotions becoming more difficult to manage, it may be a result of accumulating fatigue and stress.

4. Overreactions and emotional outbursts
   

   If you are beginning to cry at minor upsets, or grow irritable at the slightest provocation, you are likely less capable of managing your emotions due to stress.

5. A general feeling of exhaustion
   

   When you notice that you barely have enough energy to fulfill your daily duties, it is time to take a step back and figure out ways to recharge your battery.

6. Difficulty concentrating
   

   Finding yourself less focused and motivated in your daily life is a sure sign that you need to take a meaningful, refreshing break.

7. Increasing isolation
   

   Losing your desire to stay in touch with friends or take part in activities you used to enjoy could be a direct result of the growing stress of your caregiving role.

8. Trouble sleeping
   

   Not only is sleeplessness a sign that your stress levels are rising, it also contributes to your stress.

9. Increased health problems
   

   If you are falling ill more frequently, developing persistent health conditions, and beginning to use healthcare services more often, it is time to consider reducing your stress levels at once.

10. Excessive use of medications, drugs or alcohol
    

    Turning to the occasional sleep medication or enjoying a glass of wine is one way to deal with stress, but overindulging on a regular basis is a dangerous way to cope and can be another sign of mounting stress.

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor, talk to your family members, talk to someone! You may feel that there is no solution and that you alone are carrying this burden. But there is support out there and there are ways to manage your stress levels and make more time for yourself. See 10 tips to help reduce caregiver stress for some ideas about managing stress.

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