text: how can i tell if caregiving is putting too much stress on me?   i have been a caregiver for 16 years...the things i have noticed when i get too stressed are...loss of appetite..insomnia...mood swings..things of that nature.  i just attended a seminar on death and dying and they said that one of the things that we need to do is to take care of ourselves...even though that is something most people that are taking care of others dont do.  you will be much more capable of helping others if you take care of yourself. they said to do something that you enjoy at least once a week...even if it just soaking in a bubble bath for half an hour and reading...just some little thing that you like to do.  if you are caring for a family member you may have to enlist some outside help for that...it may be worth the money to call a local agency on aging to see if they have anyone that will come in and take over for a few hours every week.  they are usually fairly inexpensive and even just a few hours away will help you out. if you are working in a nursing home or hospital maybe request a day off and just sleep late...go shopping...catch a movie...whatever you need to do to have a little break.  good luck to you!