The relationships between psychological health(mental health) and caregiving are rarely discussed. It is often assumed that there are strong individuals(both men and women) who sacrifice time and energy to manage the care of a loved one and have no mental effects. This is far from the truth. As a caregiver, over an extended period of time, my mental health suffered. Did I realize it at the time…NO!
Countless studies have shown that caregiving can be stressful and burdensome. The role is not only unpredictable, but it can also be uncontrollable based on the care needs of your loved one. Managing care with loved ones with physical needs like paralysis or the outcome of having a stroke, where speech and language are missing, requires a unique talent. Foreseeing the needs of someone who can’t express themselves is challenging. The stress of the unknown can affect one’s mental health because it requires high vigilance.
As a caregiver advocate, my goal is to raise awareness about recognizing the signs of mental health decline and addressing them early. Therapy is a great way to relieve the body and mind from the weight of caregiving for an aging loved one. Therapy can help caregivers manage their responsibilities. As we know, many caregivers neglect their personal health, as documented in research. There have also been cases where the caregiver dies before the care recipient due to neglectful behaviors. Since we know caregiving can harm health, it is appropriate to recognize and address the problem.
Address Mental Health as a Caregiver
The benefits of family and friend support are the first layer in managing one’s mental health. Caregiving is not a solo role; it takes a village. Family, friends, neighbors, and healthcare professionals are all resources. Providing emotional support and a listening ear goes a long way. I share this from experience.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I know that your mental health matters. Many caregivers are at risk for developing mental health conditions, so caregivers should seek therapy, support groups, and a solid listening ear, sometimes, to stay well while on the caregiver journey. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous works, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflect her experiences and insights gained during her heartfelt caregiving journey.