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Managing Caregiver Stress
Dr. Diane Darby Beach • February 11, 2019
Seventy percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease are taken care of for the entirety of their disease by family caregivers. The responsibilities and challenges that come with caregiving can be overwhelming and stressful. Research in this area shows that between 40 and 70 percent of caregivers are significantly stressed and/or depressed.
The symptoms of stress, burden, and depression can creep up on you with little notice of your condition. Once these symptoms set in, they can be extreme and persistent.
Symptoms of significant stress and depression include:
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
- Sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings.
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable hobbies or activities, including sex.
- Irritability, restlessness and anxiety.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness.
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease, even with treatment.
- Overeating or appetite loss.
- Fatigue and decreased energy.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions. • Insomnia, waking up during the night, or excessive sleeping.
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
When caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, you may also encounter “ambiguous grief.” Specifically, your loved one is “here” in body, yet absent from relationships and many aspects of daily living. As such, you are caring and simultaneously grieving. This process creates yet another level of stress which can lead to depression. Recognizing this depression and stress is experiencing the first step to preventing it.
ACTION STEPS: Here some other things you can do to prevent these symptoms:
- Talk about your feelings, frustrations, and fears with family, friends or a mental health professional.
- Recognize that you are not alone; attend a support group to vent and hear from others in similar situations.
- Take time for yourself. Meet a friend for lunch, take a class, or participate in a hobby.
- Exercise. Physical activity produces dopamine and endorphins. You will feel better.
- Breathe. When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a “time out” and force yourself to take three deep breaths.
If you would like to set up a session with Dr. Beach, please call Care Choice at 760-798-4508. We are here to help!