Moments with Madelyn Series – Free Articles

You are welcome to copy, share, and publish any of Elaine’s articles on this page.  Please include her name as the author, and her contact information, which is included in the resource box at the bottom of each article.

Dealing with Caregiver Depression

By: Elaine K. Sanchez
Email:  Elaine@EKSanchez.com

Twenty-five to fifty percent of caregivers experience depression.* The rates are highest among individuals who care for spouseswith dementia.  It is not unusual for caregivers to experience two different types of depression – reactionary and clinical.

Reactionary depression is usually a temporary condition. It is more than sadness. It  is a feeling of despondency and dejection, which is often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.

The factors that contribute to this type of depression are varied. Sometimes a bout of reactionary depression can come on as an emotional response to a specific event. It can also be brought on as a result of stuffing feelings of anger, resentment, and guilt.

It is possible to work through this kind of depression. Some caregivers get relief in writing about their feelings. Some find that caregiver support groups provide a safe place to vent negative emotions. You may find that physical activity is a good solution for you. Exercise such as walking, running, bicycling, and aerobic dance release endorphins in your brain, and that can give you an emotional boost. Some people benefit from meditation, Yoga, reading, or listening to music. If there is a specific activity or a particular friend or group that has always lifted your spirits, do those things and contact those people first.  If you do not improve within a few weeks, it is possible that you may be suffering from clinical depression.

Clinical depression is a medical condition of mental disturbance. If you are having suicidal thoughts; if you feel that life just isn’t worth living; if you just simply cannot find the energy to get out of bed and face the day, you may be suffering from clinical depression. This is NOT a condition you can treat yourself.

Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and there is no way you can think, talk, pray, eat, drink, or smoke your way out of it. If you are clinically depressed, you need to call your physician immediately.

The first step to dealing with clinical depression is to understand that it is not a personal weakness, a lack of faith, or a failure to control your thinking or emotions.  Please remember that clinical depression is a medical problem, and it requires a medical solution.

*Source: Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Center for Caregiving

Elaine K. Sanchez is a Caregiver Survivalist, author, and speaker whose passion is helping people cope with the emotional stress of caregiving. To read more articles, watch videos, or participate in her caregiver blog, visit her website at: http.//ElaineKSanchez.com.