Caregiving and Mental Health

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance®, around 44 million Americans 18 years or older care for people with disabilities or older adults. The people who are cared for include loved ones, friends, neighbors and more. Caregivers greatly enhance the lives of the people they care for, but caregiving can take a toll on caregivers’ mental health.

Mental Health Challenges for Caregivers

Caregiving results in several challenges that can impact mental health:

  • The need for caregiving can happen suddenly, causing caregivers to not be prepared for their new role.
  • Caregiving can negatively affect caregivers’ physical health. Caregivers may face exhaustion. They may not get enough sleep, exercise or nutrients and often neglect following up with their own physicians or nurse practitioners.
  • Caregivers may experience financial hardship due to paying for their loved one’s medical bills and transporting them to and from appointments. Caregivers may also need to take time away from work, which could impact their own health insurance and work-related benefits.

Caregivers’ roles and challenges associated with them can lead to increased depression, anxiety and stress. Other mental health disorders, along with substance use disorders, can also emerge. The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that 40-70% of caregivers have clinical depression and mental health challenges are more common in female caregivers when compared to male caregivers.

Caregivers are special people, and they want to do their best and give their best to those they love. However, caregiving is hard and caregivers often struggle with feelings of helplessness, guilt, anger and frustration.

I’m a Caregiver. How Can I Improve My Mental Health?

If you are a caregiver and are noticing changes in your mental health, here are some tips:

  • Consult a social worker. Social workers can help create a care plan for you and your loved one. All UofL Health Hospitals and some facilities employee social workers who can:
    • Help you navigate support services and resources.
    • Connect you to psychosocial support.
    • Provide education re: diagnoses and diseases.
    • Enhance access to the treatment team.
    • Provide information about local, state, national and international support groups.
  • Consider therapy. Therapists collaborate with you to create a treatment plan and assist you in meeting your treatment goals.
  • Consider using a respite program. Respite programs can help provide rest to you while still ensuring the person you care for is getting the care they need. The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center can help you find respite care close to home.
  • Make regular appointments with your primary care provider and other medical providers as needed.

HelpGuide.org provides additional tips to prevent burnout:

  • Think of something positive that has happened each day. Celebrate your wins.
  • Only focus on what you can control.
  • Break huge tasks into bite-sized pieces to make them seem more manageable.
  • Talk to a friend or family member who can provide support.
  • Take time for hobbies or other things that make you joyful.
  • Adopt a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation or yoga.
  • Exercise, eat a healthy diet and prioritize rest.

If you are struggling with your mental health, know that it is OK to seek help! Getting help can improve your quality of life.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are in a crisis, dial 988, a free hotline. A trained, compassionate counselor will talk with you and provide resources.

The University of Louisville Trager Institute/Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic offers caregiver support groups and resources for caregivers residing in Jefferson, Bullitt, Shelby, Oldham, Henry, Trimble and Spencer counties in Kentucky. See the current resource and support group offerings here.

If you are caring for someone who had a stroke, UofL Health – Stroke has free support groups including an online Facebook support group.

UofL Health – Peace Hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for no-charge level-of-care assessments. Peace Hospital accepts Medicaid, Medicare, most commercial insurance and self-pay. Financial assistance may be available.

The assessment clinician at Peace Hospital will help you determine what level-of-care will be most helpful for you, such as:

UofL Health is here for you. Please check out all of our facilities at UofLHealth.org.

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Lisa Prewitt, LPCA, Grief Recovery Method® Specialist

Lisa Prewitt, LPCA, Grief Recovery Method® Specialist, has been working with children, adolescents and adults in crisis for more than 25 years. She currently serves as the director of behavioral health outreach at UofL Health – Peace Hospital. She is passionate about serving the public and can be found at a walk, at a University of Louisville ballgame or playing pickleball on any given Saturday.

All posts by Lisa Prewitt, LPCA, Grief Recovery Method® Specialist
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