CAREGIVER’S BURNOUT in OCD

We live in a world where every action of ours has multiple consequences, hence having manifolds effect on us, the people around us and in some forms the world. In today’s world of awareness and sensitivity treatment with medications and therapy is necessary for clients with clinical/psychiatric disorders, we often forget to pass on this sensitivity to the caregivers of the clients.

They are the one who are constantly in touch with the clients, taking care of them, taking the brunt of the symptoms and distress while managing the expenses and their own quality of life.

Till very recently in the broader aspect of mental health interventions, the treatments followed an “only patient symptom focused plan of action” whilst it is of the utmost importance, catering to the family and caregivers too has become the need of the hour. Given the nature of the psychiatric symptoms, the patients do not have much of a choice in living independently, hence taking care of the family and the caregiver becomes equally important by introducing caregiver focused approach to interventions.

Research has shown that caregivers of OCD patients reported and experienced the highest level of burnout, given that OCD symptoms include following or indulging in certain practices or rituals called as compulsions to calm down anxiety provoking thoughts called as obsessions and since caregivers are always the first point of contact and are around, what usually misses the eye for a long time is them trying to adjust and accommodate to the patient which ultimately reinforces and maintains certain actions, thoughts and rituals which are a part of the Obsessive-compulsive behaviour. This realisation when discussed in the professional setup leads to the feeling of guilt and accountability which adds more to the burnout eventually.

The caregivers experience different types of burnouts, they have been categorized as subjective and objective. The objective category encompasses all the variables that are measurable like financial costs of the treatment, reduced social life due to time taken in caretaking activities, among many others.

While subjective category pertains the thoughts and feelings of the caretaker which can take a toll on them like, feeling angry about having to take care of the sufferer which might also lead to feelings of guilt and shame for feeling such a negative emotion, feeling disappointment and guilt for the sufferer’s difficulties, a gloomy and cloudy judgement of the future and neglect of self as a caretaker which eventually leads to depressive feeling and symptoms. Although we do try to distinguish them and separate these two apart, but both coexist with each other and are dependent on each other. For example: Financial costs of the treatment can lead to feeling of anger, guilt, and feelings of neglect; neglect of self can lead to increase in argument, reduction in social activities, etc.

We often say that the first step towards recovery is acceptance, acknowledging your emotions and thoughts can be a very difficult decision to make but none the less a very brave one. Caregivers are the support system of the clients, but they too are in need of support and as a mental health industry we need to start acknowledging it and provide achievable and practical solutions to it. As we always say that therapy is a collaborative effort, we can briefly discuss about the roles both the therapist and the caregiver’s take towards their own mental health.

With respect to therapists, a family-based intervention plan allows to adjust the locus to a more familial context approach to OCD. These intervention plans can be based on the requirement of the family and the client which can be as follows:

• Psycho-educating the family about OCD and making them familiar with the therapy approach taken.

• A more structured and rigorous skills training pertaining to family interaction in and with OCD.

• Training the family members as coaches for them to guide the exposure exercises outside of therapy sessions.

• Alongside the therapists, caregivers unfortunately have to carter to their own needs as well as the patients need to main the function of the family and their life. Some aspects to look at when it comes to taking care of yourself would be:

• Take regular breaks for yourself; it could start as taking a small break in the open air with just you and your tea cup!

• Talk to people you trust and feel safe with; often talking to someone helps us feel lighter and calmer

• Acknowledging and journaling your emotions and feelings could help in emotional well-being.

• Identify your coping skills or activities, which you can turn to when you take a break for yourself.

• Join a support group and talk to other caregivers, often knowing that you are not alone in a boat gives a sense of hope along with discussing ideas, plans, feelings with people of similar experience helps.

We, at Sevi Wellness Services provide an online OCD support group which is open to all those going through OCD along with their friends and family to form a small, collaborative, non-judgemental, and supportive community.

To know more you information about it or other services that we provide you can check our website and can also reach us at: 7738385546/ 2235770086