By Emily Cooper
Caregiving can be emotionally draining work, as evidenced by studies that show that between 40% and 70% of family caregivers have clinically signiffcant symptoms of depression, with up to one-half of these meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression. It’s important for family caregivers to understand the risk for depression, to be alert to signs of depression, and to take action to treat depression if it occurs.
It’s not easy being witness to a loved one’s illness or disability. Combine that with having little, if any, time for oneself, feelings of powerlessness, changes to one’s work and social life, and more, and it’s not surprising that so many family caregivers experience depression. Here are some of the signs:
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or anxiety
• Fatigue, exhaustion
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Social isolation (not calling or seeing people who used to be in your life)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Bouts of tears
• Vague physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches, general pain) • Thoughts of death
To help avoid depression, take care of yourself, get some exercise, see friends, set realistic goals, and make time for things you enjoy— ideally, before you’re in trouble.
But if depression hits, it can be treated effectively with counseling and/or medication. Talk to your doctor; or for immediate help, call 911, Colorado Crisis Services (1-844-493-8255), or Mental Health Partners’ Crisis Hotline (303-447-1665). To learn about general resources for mental health, call the ADRC, Aging and Disability Resources for CO, Helpline at 303-441-1617, or check out the service directory at www.BoulderCountyHelp.org/.
Caregiving is tough enough. Please don’t let untreated depression make it unbearable.
~ Emily Cooper is Information and Referral Specialist for Caregiver Programs with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org/.