The Dementia Journey · A free resource from Caring Companions

Burnout Self-Check & Support Plan

Revisit this monthly, you check your car's oil more often than most caregivers check themselves. The Circle of Support fills in automatically if you built it in Module 8 on this device; otherwise the blanks print for filling in by hand.

Monthly self-check · mark any that are true lately

▢ Exhausted even after sleep    ▢ Snapping over small things    ▢ Sick more often
▢ Skipping my own appointments    ▢ Dreading the morning    ▢ Withdrawn from friends
▢ Crying more days than not    ▢ Feeling trapped    ▢ Numb toward them
▢ Hopeless about all of it    ▢ Thoughts of escape or self-harm

Three or more? The load needs to change: make one specific ask this week. Either of the last two? That's today's business, see the box below, and tell one human being how hard it has gotten.

Crisis numbers, no waiting required

988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text, free, 24/7. Caregivers use it too.
911 — any immediate danger.
(800) 272-3900 — Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline, for the 2 a.m. questions.
Your own doctor — burnout is a medical issue. Book the appointment.

My Circle of Support