Emotional and Physical Stress and Risk for Depression

Family caregivers of people with dementia can experience high rates of emotional and physical stress. 

The burden of caring for a loved one with dementia is one of the major reasons family caregivers consider placing their loved ones in long-term care.

Because of the stress of your role as a family caregiver, you might be at increased risk for depression as well as an increased likelihood of conditions such as high blood pressure.

So it is critical that you take care of yourself so that you can stay strong enough to care for your loved one.

Get rest when you can. Get proper nutrition. Watch out for depression. Don’t neglect your own doctor visits.

We have lots of resources at CaregiverAction.org that can help you with the nuts and bolts of caregiving, self-care, and feelings that you may have.

Check out our 10 Tips for Family Caregivers. 

Go to CAN’s online Care Community to chat anonymously with other caregivers in similar situations.

You can also contact our Caregiver Help Desk, staffed by caregiving experts, to help you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges.