{
  "id": 7570195,
  "title": "How to Tell When Caregiver Stress Is Harming Your Health",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/how-to-tell-when-caregiver-stress-is-harming-your-health",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-15T14:40:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/09/15/caregiver-stress-health-warning-signs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sue Ryan had been caring for her husband for nearly five years when her act of appearing strong started to falter. Over the years, she had taken on numerous responsibilities, from managing finances to attending medical appointments, while neglecting her own well-being. When her husband dropped a potato chip from his plate, it triggered a wave of anger in Ryan, who felt she should have been able to handle even the simplest tasks. She retreated to the bathroom, where she began to shake, realizing the impact of her own sacrifice.\n\nCaregiver stress can lead to various health issues, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, mood disorders, and burnout, according to Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, a stress expert at Harvard Medical School. The warning signs of caregiver stress are not always apparent, but they manifest as consistent and persistent changes in one's behavior and lifestyle. These changes may include difficulty sleeping, neglecting personal care, snapping at loved ones, or losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.\n\nFriends and family members are often the first to notice these changes, as they witness the caregiver's altered behavior. Ryan herself recognized the signs when she began experiencing poor sleep, which left her constantly on edge and unable to fully relax. It is crucial to pay attention to these changes and to acknowledge the impact of caregiving on one's health.\n\nCaregivers often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own, leading to a neglect of personal health screenings and medical appointments. This neglect can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of existing conditions, as well as an increased risk of developing new health issues. For instance, Ryan had postponed her own mammogram due to her husband's hospitalization, putting her health at risk. Furthermore, caregivers may also abandon their regular routines, such as exercise and a balanced diet, which can exacerbate stress and weaken the immune system.\n\nThe notion of \"toxic resilience\" often plays a role in caregivers' decision to neglect their own well-being. They may believe that true strength lies in sacrificing personal needs for the sake of the person they care for. However, this mindset is not only false but also detrimental to one's health. Real resilience acknowledges the need for rest and recovery, and it does not require caregivers to ignore their own well-being.\n\nUltimately, caregivers must recognize when their situation has become unsustainable and take steps to address the issues causing stress. Identifying the specific aspects of caregiving that are most challenging can help prioritize solutions. For example, if sleep disturbances are a significant problem, caregivers may need to seek assistance with nighttime care or modify their sleeping arrangements. By addressing these issues, caregivers can begin to rebuild their health and find a balance between caring for their loved ones and taking care of themselves.",
  "summary": "Experts explain the warning signs—and when it’s time to seek help.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}