What may be causing this
- Continuous responsibility without breaks
- Sleep loss
- Financial and work pressures
- Isolation and grief
- Trying to do everything alone
What to try first
- Accept or arrange one regular break each week
- Identify two tasks someone else can own
- Join a caregiver support group
- Look into adult day programs and respite
What usually makes it worse
- Waiting for a crisis to ask for help
- Skipping your own medical appointments
- Believing no one else can do it correctly
Simple things you can do today
- Contact your Area Agency on Aging for a care consultation
- Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900
- Schedule your own checkup
When to call the doctor
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
- Sleep loss affecting function
- Any thoughts of harming yourself or the person you care for
When it may be an emergency
- Thoughts of harming yourself or another person — call or text 988, or call 911
Related resources
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.