Ever Wonder Why Waiting Rooms Are So Draining?

Waiting rooms can feel like they’re stealing our energy, even though we’re just sitting there. This past week reminded me of the unique challenge waiting room fatigue brings. My husband, Denis, had a biopsy on Monday, so I spent hours in a small 10x10 recovery room with no windows. I had my laptop with me, but focusing was tough with the anxiety and stress of waiting.

By Wednesday, it was a two-hour drive to Milwaukee for his stem cell/oncology consult. After the car ride, we faced the typical routine: check-in, sit and wait, get vitals, then more waiting in a tiny exam room. On Thursday, it was the oncology follow-up and treatment plan, repeating the same waiting cycle in labs, doctor’s offices, and exam rooms. Tallying up, we spent nearly 9 hours that week just…waiting.

Waiting room fatigue is real—and it’s more than just time spent in a chair. Between the anxiety, boredom, and the...

Have you said to yourself :  Why don’t I have the energy like I used to have?   Or, I am so tired all the time.   

It’s called caregiver fatigue.   This occurs when you feel emotionally and physically exhausted.  You are wearing out.  You are feeling totally used up due to too many demands.  You are burning out.

• What are your emotional demands?   Your loved one is sick and you can’t make them better.  They demand an extreme degree of physical and emotional care.
• What are your conflicting priorities?   Who else needs your time and energy?   Your family, your children, your boss, your employees, your co-workers,  Trying to meeting everyone’s needs creates conflict and stress.  
• Do you feel ambiguity in your new normal?  You really don’t know exactly what to do, meaning your roles and responsibilities.   
• You workload.  What’s on your plate? ...