How Stressed Are You?
Caregiving stress is real, and it's widespread. Understanding your stress level is an important first step toward managing it and getting the support you need. Take our survey to help us understand the stress you're experiencing and discover what might help.
Take Our Caregiving Stress Survey
Rate your current stress level and tell us what's causing it. Your responses help us understand the real challenges family caregivers face and inform the programs and resources we develop. It takes just 5-10 minutes.
Take the Survey NowWhy Your Response Matters
We've collected responses from over 1,200 family caregivers since launching this survey in late 2015. Each person who takes the survey helps us advocate more effectively for better support systems and resources for all caregivers. Your data helps us understand the scope and nature of caregiving stress in our communities—information we use to influence policy, training, and resource development.
You can retake this survey as often as you'd like. Many caregivers find it helpful to check in with themselves regularly to track how their stress levels change throughout their caregiving journey.
Understanding Caregiving Stress
Stress shows up in many ways. If you're experiencing caregiving, you may recognize some of these symptoms. This list—compiled by HelpGuide.org—can help you understand whether stress might be affecting you right now.
Emotional & Mental Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor judgment
- Seeing only the negative
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
- Moodiness
- Irritability or short temper
- Agitation, inability to relax
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Sense of loneliness and isolation
- Depression or general unhappiness
Physical & Behavioral Symptoms
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea, dizziness
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
- Loss of sex drive
- Frequent colds
- Eating more or less
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
- Nervous habits (e.g., nail biting, pacing)
If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, know that you're not alone. Caregiving stress is one of the most common experiences among family caregivers, and there are effective ways to manage it. Our survey is one way to start acknowledging what you're experiencing.
Get Support for Caregiver Stress
Understanding your stress is the first step. The next step is getting support. We offer several programs and resources designed specifically to help you manage caregiving stress and reclaim your wellbeing.
Other Assessments to Explore
Stress is just one aspect of your caregiving experience. Our other surveys help you understand different dimensions of what you're going through.
Share Your Story
Beyond surveys, we're collecting stories of caregiving and life after caregiving. If you'd like to share your experience in a more narrative way, we'd love to hear from you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're just recognizing your stress or ready to get support, we're here to help. Start with the survey, then explore the resources and coaching options available to you.
Take the Stress Survey