By Mia Geljic, Provisional Psychologist
Emotional exhaustion, also known as caregiver burnout, refers to burnout that can develop from caring for a family member over a prolonged period of stress. Caregiver burnout is a common experience, with 54% of Australian carers reporting high levels of distress (Carers NSW, 2025).i
People often provide emotional and practical support to family members living with physical and mental health concerns. This experience can be very fulfilling, however this can also be an exhausting and stressful role. Carers are required to manage various demands and responsibilities, often without undergoing additional training, experiencing support, or receiving acknowledgement of their help. They can experience emotional, physical, social, and financial stress as a result.
What are common signs of emotional exhaustion in family carers?
Some of the more common symptoms of carer burnout, which may be visible to others, include:
- irritability
- frequent illness or headaches
- difficulties with sleep
- changes in appetite and eating habits
- social withdrawal
- inability to complete responsibilities and tasks to the same standard
- increased alcohol or substance use for coping
Other emotional exhaustion symptoms, which may be less observable, include:
- fatigue and lack of energy
- loss of motivation
- feeling helpless or hopeless
- feeling stuck
- feelings of overwhelm
- increased cynicism regarding own ability or the current situation
- reduced sense of achievement when completing responsibilities or tasks
What are the first signs of emotional burnout to look out for?
The first signs of carer burnout typically include feeling fatigued and lacking in energy, noticing that you feel more irritable than usual, are losing interest or pleasure in hobbies that you previously enjoyed, and withdrawing from social interactions and events. It is important to be mindful of your experience and engage in supports or seek external help to manage these symptoms when they occur.
How can you get help for carer burnout?
You can support yourself through caregiver burnout and prevent emotional exhaustion by:
- setting boundaries around your carer role and knowing that it’s ok to say ‘no’ to things;
- allowing yourself to take breaks where possible and pace yourself, to allow yourself time for relaxation, rest, and self-care;
- being mindful of the Three Pillars of Wellbeing – receiving adequate nutrition, adequate sleep, and adequate exercise;
- re-engaging in your hobbies and interests, to foster a sense of pleasure and achievement;
- engaging in self-compassion by showing kindness, warmth and understanding to yourself;
- engaging with your friends and social circles, as socialising is great at increasing pleasure and reducing stress;
- being aware of your feelings and sharing them with trusted friends or family.
Know that you do not need to be alone in managing carer burnout. You should seek external help when the stress is no longer manageable with the above preventative strategies, or when emotional exhaustion is starting to impact your health, relationships, other responsibilities, and ability to continue caregiving.
You can seek support for emotional exhaustion through external sources, like seeing a GP or psychologist, or joining a support group for help. Your GP can discuss support options with you, including whether a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a mental health professional may be appropriate. Mental health professionals can help people explore strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and coping with emotional exhaustion.
How can you support a family member at risk of carer burnout?
There are many ways that you can help to support a family member or friend at risk of carer burnout. For example, you can show support by:
- offering to be involved in the caregiving and taking on some of the caregiving burden, where and when possible;
- being prepared to ask and learn what helps them cope with burnout;
- listening to their feelings and concerns and providing emotional support;
- encouraging them to connect with support services, such as by seeing their GP or a mental health clinician;
- checking-in with them at regular intervals so that they know you are thinking of them.
Caring for family members and others is a real and rewarding part of life for many. By being mindful of carer burnout symptoms and seeking help when needed, we can help ensure that people are able to provide the right support, while also looking after their own wellbeing.