Caregiving & Mental Health Pose Unique Stresses

Caregiving & Mental Health Pose Unique Stresses

The World Health Organization reports that about one in every 10 people, or 792 million people worldwide, has a diagnosable mental health condition. Mental illnesses are even more common in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health, which estimates that more than one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021).

May is Mental Health Month, a good time to remember the 11 million Americans, including 493,000 in Ohio, who give of themselves to provide unpaid care for those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, 36 percent of caregivers suffer from depression and anxiety, which is 114 percent more than non-caregivers.

“Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia face unique emotional and physical stress, which can make it difficult to care for their loved ones and themselves,” says Cheryl Kanetsky, interim executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area and Greater East Ohio Chapters.

The burden on caregivers is growing, according to the Alzheimer’s Association “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures,” released in March.

  • Unpaid caregivers report emotional (59%) and physical stress (39%) due to caregiving.
  • The prevalence of suicidal ideation in dementia caregivers with a mean age of 64 was 32%, compared to 2.7% of U.S. adults aged 56 and older.
  • Approximately two-thirds of dementia caregivers are women.
  • More than one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters caring for a parent.

According to the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the signs and symptoms of depression include:

  • Becoming easily agitated or frustrated
  • Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt
  • Thoughts of death, dying or suicide
  • Disturbed sleep, fatigue or loss of energy
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating
  • Changes in appetite and weight

“Caregiving can lead to stress, guilt, anger, isolation and depression, which affects people in different ways,” says Mary Ertle, program director of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area and Greater Ohio East Chapters. “One person may experience depression right after their family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while other caregivers may experience it as the disease progresses and cognitive abilities begin to decline.”

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends several steps to help avoid or lessen caregiving depression:

  • Let family and friends help you, and always ask for help when you need it. Caregiver support groups are located throughout Northeast Ohio. A list can be found on the chapter website.
  • Learn ways to relax and manage stress, including meditation or yoga.
  • Take time for yourself as a caregiver – you need to be physically and emotionally strong to provide care.

Learn more about caregiver depression at www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/caregiver-depression.

There are 220,000 adults aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease in Ohio, according to the Facts and Figures report. That number is expected to increase to 250,000 by 2025.

Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter at 216.342.5556 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Helpline can be reached 24/7 at 800.272.3900.

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