The Burdens of Caregiving Can Lead to Anxiety and Depression

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by Stacie Bailey | on July 24th, 2012 | 3 comments

Studies have shown that strokes affect African-Americans more than any other race. We are already at a disadvantage by being susceptible to these types of illnesses, but how do we cope with caring for our loved ones who have fallen victim to them?

A recent article from Psych Central describes how stroke caregivers are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety and chronic illness stemming from such pressure. Traci Pedersen’s piece highlights the burden on female caretakers specifically showing that they had increased levels of stress as well as a decrease in their quality of sleep.

Financial burdens, patient demands and home confinement are just a few of the hardships placed on a caregiver as they are forced to take care of another while struggling to make time to take care of themselves while they may be actively involved in full-time jobs, raising kids and the like.

“Stroke survivors can suffer significant and lasting disabilities that may require lifelong support from family and other caregivers,” said Karen Saban, PhD, RN, lead author and associate professor.

Read the complete article on Psych Central

Have you ever felt the effects of stress that comes with caring for a loved one or family member? How did you cope with it and how would you advise others?

About the author

Stacie Bailey is a recent graduate of Quinnipiac University with a master’s degree in Interactive Communications. She has strong interests in relationships, health, social media and an overall love for sharing knowledge and information.

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Comments (3)

Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. Tuesday - 24 / 07 / 2012 Reply

Would love to hear some comments on this. My mother-in-law recently had surgery and has been staying with us during her recovery. My wife stays home with our kids so I want to make sure I am aware in case she begins to feel any burden. She has actually been sick over the past 3 days and she is rarely sick. Fortunately my mother in law has recovered well, and has actually been able to help my wife. But I know both our parents are nearing that age, so I want to find out how others are doing with it.
- Ms. Barr Tuesday - 26 / 03 / 2013 Reply
  
  Actually, I'm dealing with this first-hand. My mom suffered "mini-strokes" but was able to walk, talk, and take care of herself; however, August 2012, she suffered a stroke on her left side which left wheelchair bound and now just recently in March 2013, she suffered a stroke on her right side, she's now paralzyed on both sides. This is extremely hard on my dad because he was taking care of her at home and now, she's confined to bed in a nursing facility. I've found that it helps to talk about this to friends and folks who want to listen. Hang in there and pray.
Vinson Sunday - 12 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I know how hard it is to be a caregiver to other because my niece is one. She is experiencing extreme anxiety and depression because of the patients who are mentally ill, she also experienced physical injuries because of the patients who don't have control to themselves.