Topic Tuesday// Burn Out // Tues. 23 Jan. 7pm - 9pm AEDT

[Janna]

Oh most definitely.  I felt like I was trying to meet everyone else's needs and that I was being used and totally unappreciated.  Stretched to the max.  I think it's also important to note that our roles as a carer extends beyond the direct care of someone if there is a larger family dynamic.  We often find ourselves trying to manage complex family situations/relationships that arise as a direct and indirect result of the MI.  We try to keep everyone happy but forget about ourselves.

[NikNik]

That's a really interesting way of describing it @outlander

[Adge]

Hi everyone.

I put myself at a 4, only because I don't like to be extreme about things. It could be 5.

Mostly physical exhaustion symptoms, but also emotional like hopelessness, & total lack of interest in things I used to be passionate about - eg plants, gardening & stuff...

Adge

[Shaz51]

I felt like I was trying to meet everyone else's needs and that I was being used and totally unappreciated.  Stretched to the max., --- I agree @Janna , @NikNik and plus I am adding my 4 step children who are all adults now and all have MI like their dad , so trying to help them as well

[Former-Member]

I think at first I was bewildered and hurt by some of Mr D's behaviours but after this escalated to crisis and I felt totally inadequate and afraid when he came home from hospital after his attempt. After learning about MI I felt ashamed that I left it so long to do so as I learned so much.

[NikNik]

I'm sorry that you're experiencing that at the moment @Adge I'm glad @Shaz51 dragged you in here though 🙂

[NikNik]

Is anyone comfortable sharing what they feel like has brought them to the point of burnout out?

Did the holiday season bring some unexpected and/or additional stressors that contributed, or is it an accumulation of stressors building up over time?

[Adge]

It's interesting that you said that January seems to be a time that Burnout affects people @NikNik

Because that's how it seems to me.

There were many necessary support services not available over the festive season - but it's been since early January that the struggle has been the hardest.

Adge

[Shaz51]

Hello @Del 

[Former-Member]

I have felt all those things for the last few years.. used, unappreciated, not good enough nomatter how hard i tried/try it just hurt me in the end. I feel overwhelmed as a mother and with daily responsibilities over myself but also overwhelmed from picking up after other peoples responsibility too. I find it overwhelming at times helping others see the light when i can't even see my own light at the end of the tunnel if that makes even any sense??