Caregivers and Stress: A Common Problem You Should Know About

Caregiver stress comes from the emotional strain of giving care to a dependent.  The dependent may be a spouse, child, or elderly family member.  Most caregivers are women.  Caring for another person will physically drain a person and emotionally as well.  Caregivers are prone to stress and depression and limited research suggests that caregivers are more likely to have health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Caregivers usually are juggling full-time jobs, parenting, and care giving.  They are more likely to put their own emotional and physical needs aside while caring for others.  Caregivers are often not paying attention to their own health needs because of the on-going process of caring for someone who demands their total attention.  They often become angry, depressed, and sad.  They may feel isolated because of the demands of taking care of their family member and keeping up with other responsibilities.  Isolation can lead to severe depressive episodes and feelings of being stressed and overwhelmed.

Researchers discovered women were more prone to caregiver stress, but anyone who is caring for a spouse is especially vulnerable.  Chronic stress may sneak up on a person who is caring for a family member so watching for the signs of caregiver stress is important.

Caregivers who begin suffering from sleep problems may be showing signs of severe stress.  They may stop sleeping, or be sleeping too much.  The sleep cycle can change in either too much or too little sleep and can go from one extreme to the other.

Dramatic change in weight may also point to stress in caregivers.  Uncontrollable eating, rapid weight gain, or a sudden weight loss may point to excess stress.  If the caregiver is feeling tired and lacks energy, it may be a sign they are becoming over-stressed.

Mood and personality changes may signal there is too much stress in a caregiver’s life.  They may become easily saddened, quick to get angry, and are easily irritated.  They may lose an interest in other activities that used to give them pleasure such as reading, listening to music, or going out with friends.

Another frequent problem caregivers have is physical discomfort.  They may start having frequent headaches, stomach disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, and other physical problems that can be linked to the stress of caring for their family.

If you or someone in your family is a caregiver, watch for signs that they are becoming over-stressed.  Help them cope with the difficulties they face, give them extra love and support and if it is possible, hire someone to relieve them of some of their duties.  The caregiver’s physical and emotional health is important.  If the caregiver falls victim to depression or health problems, the family member being cared for will suffer.  Help your caregiver.  Listen to their responses to questions or routine events.  Watch for any signals that they may be in physical or emotional trouble.

Being a caregiver can bring positive feelings.  It may give a sense of purpose and make them feel they are doing a vital service for a family member.  The problems occur when the caregiver receives no help or recognition of their contribution.