Tracey Lawrence - What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome

The podcast discusses caregiver stress syndrome, a condition characterized by total physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that arises due to neglect of one's own physical and emotional health while caring for someone else. The conversation stresses the importance of self-care for family caregivers and likens it to the airplane safety instruction to put the oxygen mask on oneself before helping others. Women, who often put themselves last, and baby boomers caring for their parents while also raising adolescent children are particularly vulnerable to this syndrome. The podcast also highlights that caregivers who take care of someone with dementia have a higher risk of dying before the person they are taking care of. The discussion emphasizes the need for caregivers to prioritize their own care to avoid burnout, compassion fatigue, and the caregiver stress syndrome.