Caregiving: Stress And Depression
Caregiving: Stress And Depression
Caring for someone you love can lead to a lot of extra stress in your life. Although you have responsibilities to your loved one, it's especially important for you to remember not to neglect yourself. If left unchecked, stress can lead to depression
A depressed mood is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or injured self-esteem. Sometimes, though, depression becomes intense, lasts for long periods, and can prevent a person from leading a fulfilling life. Depression that has these characteristics may be a treatable condition called major depressive disorder, one of a number of depressive illnesses.
Depression Glossary
Antidepressant - Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Anxiety - A feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and feelings of stress. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults and can grow progressively worse if not treated. Bipolar disorder - A form of depressive disease that characteristically involves cycles...
Read the Depression Glossary article > >
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than half of caregivers show signs of clinical depression, and caregivers take more prescription medications, including those for anxiety and depression, than others in their age group.
If you suffer from depression, it's important to remember that depression is a medical disorder that can be successfully treated. It is not a personal weakness, nor a sign that you are unable to care for your loved one. Early treatment is important for many reasons, including:
Here's a list of common signs of depression. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
Thoughts of death or suicide may also occur with depression.
If you are having any thoughts of suicide, get professional help right away. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK if you think you might hurt yourself.
A depressed mood is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or injured self-esteem. Sometimes, though, depression becomes intense, lasts for long periods, and can prevent a person from leading a fulfilling life. Depression that has these characteristics may be a treatable condition called major depressive disorder, one of a number of depressive illnesses.
Recommended Related to Depression
Depression Glossary
Antidepressant - Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Anxiety - A feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and feelings of stress. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults and can grow progressively worse if not treated. Bipolar disorder - A form of depressive disease that characteristically involves cycles...
Read the Depression Glossary article > >
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than half of caregivers show signs of clinical depression, and caregivers take more prescription medications, including those for anxiety and depression, than others in their age group.
If you suffer from depression, it's important to remember that depression is a medical disorder that can be successfully treated. It is not a personal weakness, nor a sign that you are unable to care for your loved one. Early treatment is important for many reasons, including:
- Without treatment, depression can become worse.
- Untreated depression can lead to suicide.
- Without treatment, people who suffer from episodes of depression often do not fully recover.
- Treatment can prevent depression from coming back.
- Your depression may be the sign of another illness that, without treatment, can get worse.
Symptoms of Depression
Here's a list of common signs of depression. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
- An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety
- Mental or physical tiredness or lack of energy
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once pleasurable
- Decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction
- Change in sleep patterns, including very early morning waking, insomnia, or increased need for sleep
- Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss)
- Recurrent episodes of crying
- Aches and pains that just won't go away
- Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
- Feeling irritable or stressed
- Stomach ache and digestive problems
Thoughts of death or suicide may also occur with depression.
If you are having any thoughts of suicide, get professional help right away. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK if you think you might hurt yourself.