Helping Caregivers Cope with the H1N1 Flu Virus

Caregivers provide care in a many settings from the hospital to community centre to the home. Caregivers include social workers, health care workers, parents or people who provide care for friends or family. The H1N1 flu virus may mean that caregivers have to work longer hours and they may have to help those they care for manage the physical and emotional issues associated with the H1N1 flu. Stressful situations that are spread out over a long period of time, such as the H1N1 flu, can lead to emotional wear and tear. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own needs, otherwise their work and their own health may suffer.

It is important to know that our research indicates that only 35% of Canadians will become ill with the H1N1 flu. The overwhelming majority of people who do become ill recover fairly quickly.

Some common sources of stress caregivers face:
Trying to live up to high expectations (their own or from others)   Intensive caring for others at the expense of caring for themselves Inability to set appropriate boundaries Pushing themselves too hard Mental and physical demands	Heavy workloads Long hours Time pressures Limited resources Competing priorities Organizational pressures

 

Be Alert for Signs of Stress

Caregivers are usually alert to the stresses of people they help. They are not, however, always alert to their own stress and fatigue.

Common types of reactions to stress:
Physical/Behavioural	Emotional	Cognitive
Fatigue Sleeping problems Restlessness Headaches Changes in sleeping patterns Increases or decreases in appetite Increased susceptibility to colds, flu, infection Change in personal habits such as smoking, alcohol and drug consumption	Feeling helpless, overwhelmed or unable to cope Mood swings Decreased motivation Frequent crying Changes in relationship dynamics Withdrawal or isolation	Confusion Difficulty making decisions Difficulty problem solving Difficulty concentrating or paying attention

 

Caregivers should be aware that these are normal responses to stressful circumstances. Although the underlying causes of stress cannot always be prevented, caregivers can lessen the effects of stress by taking care of themselves and staying healthy.

It is important that caregivers pace themselves, know their limits and participate in activities that help them reduce their stress.

Here are some stress-relieving activities:
Take opportunities to be physically active. Go for a short walk during a lunch or coffee break. Eat sensibly. Avoid excessive use of caffeine and alcohol. Drink plenty of water and juices. Know and respect your limits. If you feel exhausted and need time off, take it. Spend time talking with family and friends. Make time to participate in social and recreational activities.	Get some rest. If you have trouble sleeping, get up and do something relaxing or enjoyable. Be on the lookout for any changes in your habits, attitudes and moods. Don't hesitate to ask others for advice. Share your experiences with colleagues. Take some time to do something for yourself every day. Taking care of yourself will put you in better shape to give care to others.

 

Take action to protect yourself. Get the H1N1 flu vaccine, wash your hands often with soap and warm water, cough and sneeze into your arm and stay home when sick. Taking these steps to protect yourself can help you feel more in control of the situation.

Family Needs

One of the most difficult challenges for caregivers is to maintain a balance between the demands of the caregiving and the needs of their own families. Keep the lines of communication open.

If, at any time, you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope it is important to seek out additional assistance. Here are some circumstances that may help caregivers decide that it is time to get help by speaking to a health professional such as a psychologist, family doctor, psychiatrist, social worker, nurse or an employee assistance program worker:

• Can't return to a normal routine
• Feeling extremely helpless
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Using alcohol and drugs excessively

For more information about coping with stressful situations, visit the Canadian Psychological Association’s online resource centre, check with your municipal/local public health unit or provincial/territorial government or talk to your health care provider.