Family Counseling
Having a loved one in pain is hard to watch. You can experience feelings of helplessness, guilt, worry, and confusion. Often it is hard to figure out the best way to support someone going through mental illness. We must acknowledge that problems do not exist in a vacuum; they exist, and will likely need to be addressed, within the context of the family therapy.
Family Therapist for Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
At Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas, we provide care not only the clients, but to the family as a whole. We recognize that in order to make an impact on the individual in need, we need to create a support system that promotes healing. This could look like family therapy with the biological family, family of choice members, important friendships, and partnerships. In order to work towards a healthy family life, we aim to aid family members in improving communication, increasing problem solving skills, understanding and handling special family situations associated with mental health disorders, and creating a better functioning home environment.
Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically, financially, or emotionally.
Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time on themselves rather than their loved one. Caregivers who are “burned out” may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression. Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical and spiritual health. The demands on a caregiver’s body, mind and emotions can easily seem overwhelming, leading to fatigue, hopelessness and ultimately burnout.
Caregiver Stress and Other Symptoms
What are the symptoms of caregiver burnout? The symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to the symptoms of stress and depression. They include:
- Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless and helpless
- Changes in appetite, weight or both
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Getting sick more often
- Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Irritability
Let go of the guilt and allow yourself to be supported through this journey. We will work together coming up with solutions so that you can take care of yourself, remembering that good self-care is critical. In turn, this can allow you to provide the ongoing care your loved one needs.
I offer appointments at a variety of times including nights and Saturdays to accommodate busy schedules. I am located in historical downtown Huntersville, with easy access to 77, 85, and 485. Contact me for a consultation and let’s begin the work together.
Family Therapy & Counseling for Caregivers in Huntersville
Women’s Wellness of the Carolinas provides marriage and family counseling and therapy for caregiver burnout and stress from Huntersville near Charlotte, NC. We also serve Cornelius, Davidson and the surrounding North Charlotte area.