Preventing and managing caregiver burnout
June 23, 2025
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by and on June 23, 2025
When you are the caregiver for a cancer patient, you play a crucial role in supporting them during cancer treatment. It¡¯s a huge responsibility. And the truth is, at times, it can be a selfless role that leaves you feeling depleted.
So, what can you do to prevent caregiver burnout when caring for a loved one? And how can you manage caregiver burnout once you recognize it? , and , recently discussed these topics on the Cancerwise podcast. Here¡¯s what they shared.
What are some of the challenges of being a caregiver?
Taking on the role of caregiver means you¡¯ll be handling tasks, both big and small, to help make your loved one¡¯s life more bearable during cancer treatment. Over time, this can become overwhelming.
¡°As cancer rates are rising, more people are becoming caregivers,¡± says Powers. ¡°Over half of caregivers are relatively young, and women account for more than 60% of caregivers.¡±
This often means that caregivers will still have kids at home that they¡¯re raising and still be actively working at their own jobs.
¡°There¡¯s a lot going on in their lives personally and professionally beyond caregiving,¡± she says. ¡°These other life demands can make it difficult to take on the extra responsibilities.¡±
These days, cancer patients are also spending less time in the hospital and more time at home.
¡°In many ways, this is a good thing, but it also means the caregiver has to take on a lot more medical responsibilities that they might not be comfortable with,¡± says Powers.
That might be helping with surgical drains, managing medications or bandaging a limb to help with lymphedema.
¡°Caregivers feel like they¡¯re on call 24/7,¡± Powers says. ¡°That in itself is a full-time job in addition to all of their other life demands. This creates the perfect storm for burnout.¡±
Know the signs of caregiver burnout
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that comes from dedicating all your time and energy to caring for the physical health and safety of a loved one, says Christie.
The signs of burnout will vary from person to person. So, it¡¯s important to recognize when you just aren¡¯t feeling yourself and ask for help if you notice any of the following signs.
- Psychological: You may feel guilt, resentment, anxiety, depression or anger.
- Physical: You may experience fatigue, changes in appetite, headaches, jaw or back pain, or you may start sleeping more or less.
- Behavioral: You may start smoking again, drinking too much alcohol, withdrawing from others or not engaging in activities you normally would enjoy.
¡°It¡¯s very normal and OK to not be OK,¡± says Powers. ¡°It means you need a break. Something¡¯s got to change.¡±
Cancerwise podcast
How to manage caregiver burnout
The best way to manage caregiver burnout is to try to prevent it from happening, though that¡¯s easier said than done.
¡°Caregivers have to take care of themselves in order to be able to care for their loved ones,¡± says Powers. ¡°There is no ¡®one-size-fits-all¡¯ method. What helps prevent burnout will be different for every caregiver.¡±
She and Christie suggest doing the following to prevent caregiver burnout.
- Dedicate time every day to do something you enjoy. Try to set aside 30 minutes each day to read, knit, exercise, journal or do anything else that brings you joy.
- Set boundaries. ¡®No¡¯ is a complete sentence. Setting boundaries includes saying no to extra tasks that you don¡¯t need to do. And if people offer help, accept it.
- Seek help from a professional. If you¡¯re teetering on the edge of burnout, speak to a licensed therapist or another professional who can help you sort out your feelings.
¡°Make sure you get enough sleep at night, eat healthy balanced meals and do a little physical activity most days of the week,¡± says Christie.
Some caregivers may struggle to find the time to do these things because, well, they¡¯re busy being a caregiver. Christie says that¡¯s when you have to get creative.
¡°Instead of getting 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day, maybe break that into three 10-minute walks with your dog,¡± she says. ¡°Or when you¡¯re sitting around waiting on your loved ones during doctor appointments, walk the long hallways of the hospital or even around campus here at MD Anderson.¡±
Resources for caregivers
Many caregivers feel like nobody understands what they¡¯re going through, which can cause them to feel isolated. But MD Anderson offers several resources to help caregivers.
If you¡¯re caring for an MD Anderson patient, you can also ask for a social work counselor to help you find other resources in your community.
¡°The truth is there¡¯s no silver bullet to preventing caregiver burnout,¡± says Powers. ¡°You¡¯re going to have stressful moments as a caregiver. But these tips will help you to better manage those stressful moments. By taking care of yourself, you are going to be a better caregiver to your loved one.¡±
or call 1-877-632-6789.
By taking care of yourself, you are going to be a better caregiver to your loved one.
Catherine Powers, Ph.D.
Psychologist