Having a family member with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a constant challenge. While it's rewarding to be able to help them, this role can significantly impact your quality of life.
It has been proven that primary caregivers are more likely to experience chronic stress and burnout, both physical and emotional. Furthermore, this role can affect your social relationships, reduce your entertainment opportunities, and increase your risk of depression and anxiety, also impacting your physical health.
In women, especially mothers who care for people with autism, a 70% prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression has been observed.
How can you reduce overload?
Delegate tasks
Involve other family members in daily care
Take breaks regularly
It is crucial to maintain your physical and emotional well-being
Take care of your physical and mental health
Maintain a self-care routine that includes exercise, a balanced diet, and relaxation techniques
Join a support group
Sharing experiences with other caregivers can offer you new perspectives and valuable emotional support
Seek social and professional support
For both the person with autism and you, the caregiver, receiving help can be essential to managing the overload that comes with continuous and complex caregiving.
Improving the symptoms of patients with autism not only lightens the daily care tasks but also provides a better quality of life and greater opportunities for development. Come to us; we have the solution for you and your loved one.
Psych. Ixchel Sánchez Castillo
References
- Ríos Martínez, L. H. G., Votte Hernández, L. A., Peña López, M. M., Salazar Mendoza, D. J., Cabrera Martínez, D. M., & Alvarado Escobar, M. L. (2022). Sobrecarga en cuidadores primários de familiares con trastorno del espectro autista. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, 6(6), 4669-4686. https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v6i6.3773
- García Mesa, D., Delgado-Reyes, A. C., & Sánchez López, J. V. (2021). Calidad de vida y sobrecarga en cuidadores primarios de población infantil con Trastorno del Espectro Autista de la ciudad de Manizales. Cuadernos Hispanoamericanos De Psicología, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.18270/chps.v20i2.3666
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