Caregiver Stress and Depression – A Silent Health Crisis

With April comes warmer weather and sunnier days. Still, there comes a time to shine a light on one of America’s most significant issues: stress. April marks National Stress Awareness Month, and as our society becomes more fast-paced, it’s essential to step back and take a deep breath.

Stress management has become the focal point for many health and wellness professionals. From meditation, frequent exercise and a good night’s rest, most of us know how to handle the stressors of daily life. Knowing how to manage stress can help maintain overall well-being.

Caregiving, while rewarding in many ways, also brings significant stress, especially when the care-receiver has a dementia diagnosis. Many lives have been changed by transitioning into a new caregiver role. Within the United States, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that dementia affects around 5 million people, a number projected to rise to 16 million by 2050. They also estimate that more than 15 million Americans are providing unpaid care to loved ones living with a dementia diagnosis. With this high of an estimate, it is crucial to learn how to properly take care of oneself as a care partner.

When people hear about the effects of memory loss, most automatically think of the stress on those diagnosed with a type of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. However, care partner stress also has been proven to lead to a decline in both mental and physical health. Providing care for a loved one can be challenging as is, but adding the complexities of memory loss can present its own set of unique challenges.

In a study done by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Alzheimer’s Association, 30 to 40 percent of those providing care for people with cognitive impairment showed signs of depression and extreme emotional stress. Care partners consistently report higher levels of depressive symptoms and mental health issues than their non-caregiving peers. This stress can begin with a lack of knowledge or experience in caregiving. Most are ill-prepared with little to no support.

Unfortunately, this stress not only may lead to depression and anxiety but can manifest in physical ailments as well. This is because, while caring for others, the family care partners put themselves second and don’t listen to their own bodies. Those providing care are less likely to engage in preventive health behaviors, and over half reported eating and exercising habits worsening after becoming a caregiver.

Although this stress is a reality for many, caregiving doesn’t have to end in health deterioration. That’s why Emory is taking innovative steps to improve the quality of life for these dyads, the patient and care partner affected by memory loss.

IMCC has same-day appointment availability and an after-hours call line for established patients so that care providers can feel supported at any time.

Although memory loss is prevalent, caregiver stress can go unnoticed because of the disease’s gradual changes. With dementia, patients’ cognitive decline can be slow, so many care partners may not recognize the toll that caregiving takes on their own well-being. That’s why it’s vital to seek out and take advantage of community resources from the beginning. Like any other stress, self-awareness is key to the management of symptoms. If you are a caregiver and have experienced extreme stress, remember to take care of yourself. If you are experiencing caregiver burnout, here are some tips that can help you manage stress.

• Remind yourself that your work has value.
• Find ways to communicate with family and friends.
• Join a support group.
• Invest in positive relationships.
• Give yourself a break.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about any anxiety and/or depression.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with dementia, call 404-712-6929 to schedule an appointment or visit emoryhealthcare.org/imcc for more information.