Article: "Help for Aging Parents, and for Yourself"

There's a great article in today's NY Times about caregivers caught in the sandwich -- caring for their aging parents as well as raising children. The basic message is that it's important to draw boundaries to meet needs of everyone, including taking care of yourself.

Caregiving and Depression

If you're a caregiver, especially one who provides care 20 or more hours a week, statistics indicate that you are six times more likely to develop clinical (or situational) depression that the population as a whole. Some studies indicate that over 60% of caregivers suffer clinical depression, and for some caregiving situations, the numbers run as high as 75%.

Clinical or situational depression is a serious condition and requires treatment. The earlier treatment is received, the quicker the recovery. Clinical depression left untreated for long periods may not be reversible. Treatment is straightforward. Most people with clinical depression are treated with prescription medications and/or psychotherapy to develop strategies for better managing the caregiving needs.

Here are three articles available on the web which will provide more information about the incidence of depression in caregivers, give a description of symptoms of clinical depression, and promote ways of preventing depression.

1. When Stress Turns into Depression: Getting Help, Having Hope

2. Understanding and Acknowledging Negative Emotions

3. Stress Management: Tips and Techniques