E54: How to Recognize You Have Superwoman Syndrome As a Caregiver

You're a busy woman caregiver who feels pressured to be able to do it all,  juggling your career, family, caregiving, managing the household and more.

Superwoman Syndrome is exactly what it says it is - trying to be Superwoman. And more often than not, you're feeling overworked, overwhelmed and overly committed. You're also exhausted, anxious and stressed.  But don't worry - you are not alone.

According to Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis, co-author of Overcoming the Superwoman Syndrome, some of us wear this imaginary cape because we:

• Want to be the good, little girl
• Have a tendency towards people-pleasing
• Seek attention
• Want to feel like you can do it all
• You cannot say no to others
• To feel accomplished
• Have low self-esteem
• Strive for perfection

The Superwoman is also a good person, duty oriented, very responsible and truly desires to do what is right.

Symptoms of superwoman syndrome and caregiver burnout:  

• Bouts of irritability
• Inability to sleep or excessive sleep
• Memory issues
• Muscle tension
• Anxiety
• Sweating when not physically active
• Inability to concentrate
• General aches and pains

 It’s important to be aware of what your body is trying to tell you.  Aspiring to a level of perfectionism that is not attainable and sacrificing your well-being consistently will inevitably lead you down the path to caregiver stress, burnout and eventually fatigue.   It may rob you of your joy.  

Accumulated stress opens the door to a multitude of health issues, including early aging, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and gastrointestinal conditions. 

So it’s time to take off that costume and cape.  

When you recognize that superwoman syndrome or caregiver burnout is present in your caregiver life, it’s time to.  Shed that costume, untie that cape and figure out ways to overcome this.   

First and foremost it’s not easy to admit that you can’t do it all.  You don’t need to control and do everything.  It’s ok to let things go.   It feels very uncomfortable and you may even feel guilty.  But remember, you can’t sacrifice your well-being.

Four Important Tips to overcome Superwoman Syndrome

1.  Ask for help

• You cannot do everything yourself.  
• Listen to Episode 20 Caregiver Hacks to Find More Time  for more info on saving time

2.  Take time out for you

• Schedule breaks into your calendar and hold yourself to it. 
• Find more information - Episode 40 How respite care can reduce caregiver burnout

3.  Learn to say no
“No” is not a dirty word. Start saying no to things that you don’t want, or don’t have the time, to do.  Figure out what your priorities are.   

• In last week' s  episode (53)  Lisa Allarid shares how she is working on her priorities.  

4.  Let go of your perfectionism
Just because you can have and do it all doesn’t necessarily mean you should. 

• Take time to prioritize what you need
• Then what is important to you.  

Remember - Superwoman is a fictional character, not a role model, and trying to be her isn’t sustainable or healthy.