Caregiver Depression, a National Crisis

One of today's all too silent crises is caregiver depression. It is reported that 20% of family caregivers suffer depression, which represents twice the rate of the general population. Almost 60%. Of the clients of the California Caregiver Resource Centers show clinical signs of depression.

What's more, they have found that former caregivers may not escape the prison of this condition-even after their caregiving duties end. A recent study revealed that 41% of former caregivers of a spouse with Alzheimer's disease or a no other form of dementia experienced mild to severe depression up to three years after their spouse had died.

In general, women caregivers experience depression at a higher rate than men

It is known that in an effort to provide the best possible care for a family member or friend, caregivers often sacrifice their own physical and emotional needs, and the emotional and physical experiences involved with providing care can place a severe strain on even the most capable person. Feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation, and exhaustion can exact a heavy toll.

I am always surprised to read how common the feelings of guilt are among caregivers.

Symptoms of Depression.

--A change in eating habits and/or unwanted weight gain or loss.
--A change in sleep patterns.--Too much sleep or not enough.
--Feeling tired all the time.
--Losing interest in people and/or activities.
--Easily agitated or anger.
--Feeling that nothing you do is good enough.
--Thoughts of death or suicide.
--Ongoing physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.

Recommendations on Treatment for Caregiver Depression from the National Institute of Mental Health:

--Set realistic goals.
-- Break large tasks into small ones.
--Try to be with other people and confide in someone.
--Participate in activities that may make you feel better; exercise, movies, sporting events, nature activities, attending a religious, social or community event.
--Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
--Postpone important decisions until depression has lifted

For your health and the health of those around you, take some time to care for yourself-- seek a mental health professional, use respite care relief, use positive self talk, and stay active. All these can help to improve your sense of well-being.

Good luck! –