Updated on 10/12/23

There are 60 million Americans who provide unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbor who has a physical or mental illness. This number is expected to increase over the next few years as the baby boomer generation ages into their senior years. Caregivers are often not only caring for their loved ones with a mental illness but may also have other caregiver duties such as providing care for their elderly parent or their young child. Caregivers, whether they have chosen to undertake this role or not, are often stretched too thin and never have time for themselves. Many caregivers do not have a clinical psychology background and therefore may not understand the details of their loved one’s mental health diagnosis. Caregivers are at an increased risk for financial hardship, mental health disorders and physical ailments secondary to the demands of their responsibilities. Taking care of a loved one with a mental health illness is an extremely challenging task, and there are very few resources available for caregivers. Finding ways of supporting caregivers is essential.

Finding Support as a Caregiver

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has developed “Family-to-Family,” a free, 12-session family education course that provides support and education to family members and other caregivers of individuals with mental illness. The course teaches caregivers how to manage crises and solve problems, to find and utilize local mental health support and services, to recognize red flags and troubling signs and symptoms, to communicate effectively with their loved one, to be a well-informed advocate and also manage their own stress. Loved ones and caregivers are able to connect with each other in this group setting as this supportive group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support, and participants experience compassion and reinforcement from people who truly understand.

Having to assist a loved one through a crisis only underscores the importance of taking care of your own mental health and physical health. Caregivers often report sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, failure to exercise and postponement of or failure to make medical appointments for themselves.

Simple Ways to Focus on Your Mental Health as a Caregiver

If you are a loved one who is trying to help a family member or have become a designated caregiver, there are certain things you can do to ensure that mental health in the family becomes a priority:

  1. Focus on Yourself. Take time for yourself each day.
  2. Exercise. Taking a short walk in the middle of a busy day can make a difference.
  3. Laugh. Give yourself permission to find the humorous parts of caregiving and laugh when the mood strikes.
  4. Understand how stress affects you. Find ways to avoid triggers or healthy ways to cope with stressful scenarios. Begin by identifying how stress feels to you. Then identify what events or situations cause you to feel that way.
  5. Set boundaries. What roles are you willing to take on? Where do you draw the line? It may feel kind to say yes to everything, but that can quickly turn into resentment. Think about what you’re comfortable doing and what you’re not. Make your limits clear and stick to them.
  6. Share your workload. Delegate some of your tasks to other members of the family.
  7. Take help offered to you. When friends say, “Let me know if I can help with anything,” take them up on the offer. Give them a few ideas and let them choose.
  8. Join a support group. Consider joining a support group for caregivers of people with mental illnesses.

Using Respite Care for Mental Health Support as a Caregiver

Respite care provides relief for those who are primary caregivers, though these services are usually not covered by insurance plans. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need the time for yourself to practice the ways to take care of your mental health as stated above, respite care might be a good option for you.

Source: Mental Health America

If you or someone you know needs support as a caregiver, contact us at Discovery Mood & Anxiety today. We’re here to help.

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