Caring for the Caregiver Exploring Medical PTSD and Caregiver Burnout_PDF (2)

Defining The Role Of A Caregiver

Anyone providing care to a loved one can be considered a caregiver

All types and definitions of caregiving are VALID and should be a definition that belongs to YOU.

Poll

How many of you have ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or physically drained while caring for your loved one?

Signs & Symptoms

• Intrusive memories

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Prolonged Hypervigilance

• Having negative thoughts or emotional responses

• Avoiding places or conversations that bring up difficult memories

• Feeling emotionally numb or detachment from loved one

Studies show that anywhere from 15% to over 30% of caregivers for cancer patients experience PTSD symptoms.

What might cause medical trauma?

Diagnosis Shock

Witnessing a loved one suffering

Sudden Events

Making Medical Decisions

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver Burnout: Signs & Symptoms

The state of mental and physical exhaustion

Compassion Fatigue or Burnout

• Prolonged feelings of sadness

• Withdrawal or isolating self

• Experiencing mood changes

• Helplessness or hopelessness

• Neglecting basic self-care

• Getting sick more easily

• Trouble concentrating

• Irritability or frustration towards others and self

• Changes in appetite

Causes of Caregiver Burnout

The inability to care for self while caring for someone else

• Lack of control

• The emotional strain

• Lack of respite care

• Role overload

• Responsibilities

• Expectations

• Inability to prioritize self

• Feelings of isolation

Studies show that more than 60% of caregivers experience symptoms of burnout.

The Intersection: Medical PTSD & Burnout

The Body’s Response To Medical PTSD

Coping & Self Care Strategies

Supportive Networks

Building a support network:

• support groups

• peer matching

• counseling

• Trusted friends/family for respite care

Connecting with medical team:

• Hospital social worker

• Nurse navigator

• Patient advocate Organizations: CancerCare, American Cancer Society, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center for PTSD.

Hotlines: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, SAMHSA Helpline.

Post Traumatic Growth

Positive changes that occur after a traumatic event Growing in meaningful ways

• Appreciation of life

• Relationship with others

• New possibilities

• Personal Strength

Caring for yourself is not selfish, it’s essential for sustaining the care you give.

Q & A

References

Adashek, J. J., & Subbiah, I. M. (2020). Caring for the caregiver: a systematic review characterising the experience of caregivers of older adults with advanced cancers. ESMO Open, 5(5), e000862. https://doi.org/10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000862

Benedict, E., Landa, F., Shaykevich, A., Patton, C. D., & Mitchell, H. (2025). A Systematic Review of Cancer‐Related Trauma and

Growth in Caregivers Across the Lifespan. Psycho-Oncology, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.70047

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, August 16). Caregiver burnout. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225caregiver-burnout

Dell’Osso, L., Lorenzi, P., Nardi, B., Carmassi, C., & Carpita, B. (2022). Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) in the Frame of Traumatic

Experiences. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 19(6), 390–393. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220606

Klekovkina, E., Stern, M. A., Malfitano, C., & Fuller-Thomson, E. (2025). Traumatic stress in caregivers of adult patients with cancer: A scoping review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus, 2(2), 100141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100141

National Cancer Institute. (2019, March 6). Family Caregivers in Cancer: Roles and Challenges (PDQ®)–Health Professional

Version. National Cancer Institute; Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/family-friends/family-caregivers-hp-