Working when you are caring? Pay attention to mind and body signals!
Mental Wellness2023-05-08
5 Mins Read
Hong Kong is becoming a super-aged society with 1 in 5 people over the age of 65, and there are an increasing number of conditions requiring long-term care. Many of us are therefore working carers – including ‘sandwich carers’ who take care of older parents and children at the same time. Carers who spend long hours of caring with occasional crisis management may particularly face competition between their caregiving and professional roles.
Burnout, and caregiver burnout
If you are constantly feeling drained, disillusioned at work, or unhappy about your performance, you may be experiencing burnout. Burnout is resulted from chronic workplace stress left unmanaged. It can also happen within the caring role. Some carers may become easily irritated, experience weight change, sleep problems, or loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Should I seek help?
When the stress reactions start to bother you or others, it is a good idea to consult a professional, to rule out other conditions and to seek professional and personal advice. For both job and caregiver burnout, there can be significant consequences if left unmanaged. Don’t hesitate to seek help early when you are in need!
Take care of yourself first
Some carers with a strong sense of responsibility may opt for isolation and early retirement to become full-time carers. Yet, sacrificing one’s career and personal life may not be the most sustainable option. The health impacts of long-term isolation can even be as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! Respite care, carer networks, staying connected with friends, and self-care practice such as mindfulness could help.
Do you know?
If there is no way to find respite, consider turning the caring time into quality-time to carry out family activities that you enjoy. Going for a family walk for as little as 15 minutes a week can already be stress-reducing, if we could temporarily forget about our caring role and focus on the small, beautiful things that we have missed in our busy everyday life.
This article is provided by Dr Gloria Wong, Programme Director, Master of Social Sciences (Mental Health), and Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong.
Information and materials provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong and is on an “as is” and “as-available” basis without representation and/or warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While AXA Hong Kong has taken reasonable care in providing such information and materials, they are not specific to your investment objective, financial situation, health or medical conditions or particular needs. No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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