If you’re a caregiver for a chronically ill relative or friend and are feeling overwhelmed, even depressed, this advice can help.
Being a caregiver for a chronically ill family member is a 24-hour job. With all the attention you give to others, it’s understandable that you may feel tired, unhappy, or irritable. But you may be beyond feeling just “worn down.” The strain of being a caregiver can eventually lead to diagnosable mental distress. A recent study of 200 caregivers found that 13% of the caregivers met the diagnostic criteria for one or more of these disorders: major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from depression or another illness (see bulleted list below), it may not be easy to get the help you need. You may feel guilty about asking for help for yourself. On a practical level, it can be difficult to find a substitute caregiver, even for short periods of time. If it is at all possible, you owe it to yourself to get treatment. You will feel better, and the quality of care you can provide will improve.
Where a Caregiver Can Find Help
If you are a caregiver for someone who is chronically or terminally ill, you probably work closely with a doctor or team of doctors. What you may not know is that your loved one’s doctor may be able to help you as well. Speak to your doctor about your concerns about your mental health. He or she may be able to give you a referral to a mental health practitioner.
You may want to find a therapist on your own. If you have insurance through an HMO, the best place to start your search is through your health plan, which will have a list of approved mental health practitioners. You can also contact your state psychological association through the American Psychological Association (locator.apahelpcenter.org or 1-800-964-2000) to find the names and locations of psychologists in your area. Remember, however, that psychologists are not able to prescribe medication.
Support groups are also wonderful ways to improve your life as a caregiver. Many of your fellow caregivers will be dealing with the same issues and will be able to share coping strategies and tips. To find a support group, try the Yellow Pages or ask your doctor. Online support groups are also helpful, especially for people who have trouble scheduling time away from their loved one.
Symptoms of Common Psychiatric Disorders
Symptoms of depression:
- changed eating/sleeping habits
- exhaustion
- feelings of hopelessness and anger
- loss of interest in activities
- unexplained physical symptoms like headache/stomachache thoughts of death/suicide
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder:
- excessive worry and irritability
- inability to relax
- insomnia
- unexplained physical symptoms like headache/stomachache
Symptoms of panic disorder:
- episodes of intense fear
- sweating and shaking, pounding heart, faintness, nausea, numbness, hot flashes
- feelings of detachment from reality
- fear of dying or losing control
- intense anxiety between episodes
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder:
- memories and flashbacks of traumatic event
- emotional numbness
- difficulty concentrating
For More Information:
- The National Family Caregivers Association -- www.thefamilycaregiver.org
- The Family Caregiver Alliance -- www.caregiver.org
- The Alzheimer’s Association -- www.alz.org
