Caregivers at Risk for Depression

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Jacqueline Marcell, Author of Elder Rage offers insights for caregivers at risk for depression.

When I had to give up my life to go take care of my elderly parents, both with health problems and early dementia, I was so surprised to read that caregivers are often more depressed than those they care for, and that those with a chronic illness themselves have a 63% higher death rate than their peers. A year later, without a day off, I was equally surprised the statistic was that low!

Researchers have found that a person who cares for someone with dementia is twice as likely to suffer from depression than those providing care for someone without it. Since nearly five million people in the United States are afflicted with Alzheimer’s (just one form of dementia), and 7 out of 10 are being cared for at home by family and friends who provide 75-80% of their care, millions of caregivers are coping with depression--or at great risk of developing it.

CAUSE OF DEPRESSION

Depression often occurs when a caregiver becomes overwhelmed trying to manage the responsibilities of caring for an ailing family member or friend, as well as their own life. The resulting feelings of exhaustion, sadness, isolation, anxiety and anger, and then guilt for having those feelings can exact a heavy toll.

Oftentimes caregivers are so inundated with responsibilities they sacrifice time with their healthy loved ones, their careers, and even physical and emotional needs. Many don’t take time for their medical checkups and tests, resulting in their ailments going undiagnosed and treated. Therefore, it’s critical for caregivers to recognize that they are at great risk of developing depression and/or a serious ailment, and that they need to seek support as soon as their caregiving journey begins.

RELUCTANCE TO SEEK TREATMENT

Unfortunately, family members often don’t think of themselves as caregivers and feel that if they just toughen-up everything will be okay. And even though the stigma of seeing a doctor for depression is lessening, many feel it is a sign of weakness. A National Mental Health Association study found that 41% of the women surveyed cited embarrassment as the reasons they avoided seeking treatment.

SUPPORT GROUP

Caregivers who regularly attend a support group often report they experience lower levels of depression, yet many don’t go in the beginning, saying they don’t want to share their personal life with strangers. Once they do, however, creative solutions and coping strategies start to present themselves during sessions with other caregivers who are going through similar experiences. Often caregivers say they wish they had gone to a support group much sooner.

ADULT DAY CARE

Often elderly people will sleep most of the day and then become sundowners and up all night, causing even more stress for their exhausted caregiver. Enrolling loved ones in Adult Day Care is often the answer, as it provides stimulation during the day for the patient and specific hours of respite for the caregiver. After a day of singing, bingo, exercise and crafts (lead by professionals trained to work with them), the patient is ready to go home and relax. Once they sleep regularly through the night, their caregiver will finally be able to sleep as well.

AWARENESS OF EARLY SYMPTOMS

By being aware of the risk of depression and acknowledging the earliest symptoms, caregivers may be able to lessen the severity and duration of an episode. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, a support group, positive self-talk, focusing on the present rather than the decline of a loved one, and by seeing a mental health professional if necessary and considering an anti-depressant--depression may be reduced or even avoided.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

• Feeling tired most of the time, lethargic, uninspired, withdrawn
• A change in eating habits resulting in unwanted weight gain or loss
• A change in sleep patterns—too much or not enough
• A loss of interest in people and activities that used to be pleasurable
• Becoming easily agitated, irritated, anxious, angered, frustrated, overwhelmed
• Feeling that nothing they do is good enough
• Persistent ‘what’s the use’ thinking
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Ongoing physical symptoms that don’t seem to respond to treatment--such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

Jacqueline Marcell is a former television executive, who after caring for her elderly parents (both with Alzheimer’s) became a national speaker and the best-selling author of Elder Rage, a Book-of-the-Month Club being considered for a feature film.

Over fifty endorsements include: Hugh Downs, Regis Philbin, and the National Adult Day Services Association who honored her with their Media Award. She also received Advocate of the Year from the National Association of Women Business Owners at their Remarkable Women Awards.

Jacqueline also writes Blogs for Health Central and Third Age, and hosts an Internet radio program, on Coping with Caregiving.

A recent guest of the TODAY SHOW, Jacqueline is also being featured in an upcoming PBS documentary on Alzheimer’s. A recent breast cancer survivor, Jacqueline advocates that everyone (but especially caregivers) closely monitor their own health. For more information see Elder Rage

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caregivers depression