As the aging population grows rapidly, the caregiving population grows along with it. 1 in 4 adults in the US identify themselves as a caregiver for a family member, which is a 45% increase from 2015. Professionally, the largest occupation in the US as of May 2024 is home health and personal care aides, and that number is projected to grow 17% by 2034. These staggering numbers imply an increasing number of those who must navigate the implications of caregiving, too. The untold side of caregiving relates to burnout, and recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout can help you ensure your loved one is receiving the best care.
As of 2025:
- Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers find difficulty in caring for themselves because of caregiving
- 45% of caregivers report moderate or high physical strain
- 2 in 3 caregivers report moderate or high emotional stress
- 56% of family caregivers feel like they did not have a choice
Statistics sourced from: Caregiving in the US
But whether it’s a loved one or a stranger you’re caring for, when someone is counting on you at a fundamental level, your personal wellbeing is easily pushed aside. This can lead to caregiver burnout, which is characterized by mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion.
Caregiver burnout can feel debilitating, as it typically manifests as an intense form of depression. It can impact your relationship with others and with yourself, and it can compromise the care your loved one receives.
Below are some warning signs which could indicate caregiver burnout. If these signs resonate with you, you’re not alone. In fact, there’s more people who share in this experience than ever before. Specialized support is available, and various resources are included at the bottom of the page, specifically for those located in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas.
1. Withdrawing from what you used to love
Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report feeling alone. When someone is counting on you to help them meet their basic needs, you can find yourself canceling activities you enjoy because you worry that you will be needed and unavailable. There might be a part of you that feels like you aren’t allowed to be unavailable, which makes enjoying personal time difficult.
Additionally, physical exhaustion can make personal activities feel like a chore. You may not have the energy to do things you love, even if you still want to.
2. Chronic tiredness
Caregiving can call you at any time, and continuous sleep loss due to late-night responsibilities can impact your mental and physical state quickly.
Even when you’re not actively caregiving, the stress from it can cause sleep loss as well. You could find yourself up late worrying about the future, your capabilities, hypotheticals, or whether you’re doing enough. Whether you’re actively caregiving or stressing about it, slipping into a state of chronic tiredness is not uncommon.
Tiredness can also complicate your emotions. When you’re exhausted physically, you may begin to resent your loved one, but then feel guilty for having these feelings at all. This cycle will exhaust you emotionally as well.
3. Feeling like you need to do more
When you feel deteriorated, you might feel like this is a sign that you need to do more. You might overwork yourself by trying to meet your standards, drain yourself further, and find yourself in worse shape than you were before.
By being a caregiver, you’re already doing more than enough. You probably won’t heal your loved one’s ailment completely, but your support helps them live more comfortably. You’re doing everything you can by just being there.
4. Neglecting your own needs
As of 2025, 56% of family caregivers report they felt like they didn’t have a choice. When caregiving feels like an obligation, your obligations to yourself can take a back seat. Weight gain or loss, skipped meals, declining work performance, and emotional overwhelm are all symptoms of self-neglect.
5. Loss of hope
Caregiving, especially for a loved one, is emotionally taxing. You could start to find it hard to believe relief will come. You might have stopped planning for the future, as you’re unable to see a light at the end of the tunnel. You might think that things will never get better.
These feelings can tower over you, and they can quickly control your attitude and worldview. Keep track of these thoughts, and consider reaching out for help with managing them.
6. Rationalizing or denying emotions
The feelings of obligation mentioned earlier can silence internal signals of self-deterioration, reducing your awareness of them. If you find yourself trying to debunk your struggles, please remind yourself that they are valid. You’re in one of life’s hardest positions. Nobody is expecting you to handle it happily all the time. You’re human.
As a caregiver, you have the weight of someone’s world on your shoulders, and losing sight of your own can happen before you know it. Caregiving changes their life, but it’s important to remember it also changes yours. You can’t provide the best care when you aren’t your best self, and the first step is recognizing that you’re struggling.
If any of these signs resonate with you, support is available. You are society’s invisible backbone, and there are resources to help you maintain your own wellbeing so that you can adequately maintain your loved one’s.
FAQ
How can I find support as a caregiver?
Support is available locally and nationally. In Arizona, DuetAZ.org offers peer support, educational events, and virtual and in-person support groups. You can also call the Arizona Caregiver Resource Line at (888) 737-7494 to speak with a trained volunteer Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. Nationally, PsychologyToday.com allows you to search for caregiver support groups by location, and the Caregiver Action Network Resource Line at (855) 227-3640 is available Monday through Friday 8am to 7pm EST.
I don’t have time to attend appointments or support sessions. How can I take care of my own needs as a caregiver?
There are many options offered virtually, including caregiver support groups, one-on-one therapy, and medical Telehealth appointments. Another option to consider is respite care. A trained professional care for your loved one so you can take meaningful time for you without leaving them without support.
Am I eligible to get paid to be a caregiver for a family member?
If your loved one receives Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation through your state’s program. Eligibility and compensation vary by state. Contact your local Medicaid office for more information about what is available to you in Arizona.
I can’t keep caregiving alone. What are my options?
This depends on your loved one’s needs. Assisted living, nursing homes, and home health care are available. If your loved one could benefit from non-medical in-home care, professional caregivers can provide companionship and assistance with day-to-day activities. Contact us today to learn more about how we care for Arizona families.
Support is available locally and nationally. In Arizona, DuetAZ.org offers peer support, educational events, and virtual and in-person support groups. You can also call the Arizona Caregiver Resource Line at (888) 737-7494 to speak with a trained volunteer Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. Nationally, PsychologyToday.com allows you to search for caregiver support groups by location, and the Caregiver Action Network Resource Line at (855) 227-3640 is available Monday through Friday 8am to 7pm EST.
There are many options offered virtually, including caregiver support groups, one-on-one therapy, and medical Telehealth appointments. Another option to consider is respite care. A trained professional care for your loved one so you can take meaningful time for you without leaving them without support.
If your loved one receives Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation through your state’s program. Eligibility and compensation vary by state. Contact your local Medicaid office for more information about what is available to you in Arizona.
This depends on your loved one’s needs. Assisted living, nursing homes, and home health care are available. If your loved one could benefit from non-medical in-home care, professional caregivers can provide companionship and assistance with day-to-day activities. Contact us today to learn more about how we care for Arizona families.