From a psychological point of view, stress can be defined as the perception that your circumstances have exceeded your capacity to cope (creating a threat to your being). This series will help define stress and suggest some basic coping skills to help us deal with stress in general and specific situations. Caregiving provided to aging family members or others in need often is associated with stress and burnout. Although providing direct care to a family member or someone else can result in significant stress, remember that this experience can have positive benefits as well. Consider the rewards and challenges of the caregiving experience honestly.