Stress Management for Caregivers

Am I a caregiver?

Anyone who gives unpaid care and support to a family member, a friend, or a neighbor who is frail, sick, or disabled is a caregiver. The person receiving care may be living at home or in a care facility.

 

What is stress?

Ø Stress is an emotional and physical response to a perceived threat or danger. Ø Most people identify stress by the strong emotions they feel during a difficult or demanding situation. Ø Anger, fear, panic, even resentment and frustration are common emotions that we associate with the feeling of stress.

 

 

How does chronic stress affect my health?

Ø Frequent or long-term stress has been shown to cause serious physical and psychological damage over time. Ø Studies have shown that caregivers, like yourselves, are more at risk for heart attacks and stroke Ø They are more susceptible to infections and more likely to catch colds and flu. Ø Depression is common to many caregivers under stress. Ø  Caregivers who provide care for someone with dementia are even more at risk for depression, at almost twice the rate than other caregivers.

 

What Can I Do?

Ø There are many ways for you to alleviate stress. Ø Regrettably, for caregivers many of these options are too difficult, impractical, or time consuming. Ø Here are three things you can start doing right away: Ø Get Support v Reach out for help from family, friends or professionals. Ø Set Limits v Assess your priorities and use your time accordingly. Ø Take Breaks v Take mini-vacations in your bathtub, garden, sofa, and in your mind.