Caregiver Exhaustion or Depression?
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| Vicki Rackner, MD President Medical Bridges |
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Assisting an elderly parent while working and raising a family can test the mettle of even the strongest. Many caregivers ignore their own emotional and physical need and assume that the lethargy, isolation and sadness they feel are normal. When these feelings become extended episodes, seeking help might be in order. San Rafael, California (PRWEB) July 6, 2007 -- Baby Boomers who are assisting elderly parents have full, and sometimes overflowing, plates. Most are employed and contend with day-to-day job stresses. A majority have pre-college teens at home along with Boomerang Kids (adult children returning home to live). Add becoming a caregiver to an elderly parent and the stress factor can be off the chart. Many caregivers forsake their own needs out of a sense of obligation, withdraw socially and endure sometimes profound sadness. Physician and patient advocate Vicki Rackner offers that "Anyone can endure periodic bouts of sadness, but if the sadness is ongoing and becomes a focal point of someone's life, professional help may be needed." In her feature article on Parent Care Dr. Rackner conveys some of the sign posts of this ailment that is affecting millions of Americans. "For all too many, depression is still a taboo topic and for some a sign of weakness," she continued. "Clinical depression is a real illness that causes real pain and for which there are real treatments!" Parent Care CEO Bill Gillis stated that "We asked Dr. Rackner to help our subscribers become better informed about this important topic for one reason -- that the stresses of caregiving may exacerbate underlying but undiagnosed depression." Several research studies have found that caregivers to dementia sufferers are twice as likely to suffer from depression as caregivers to those without dementia. Gillis lauded the insights these studies have provided but indicated a need for further segmentation. "We serve a market of seven million caregivers with an added stressor -- the hundreds of miles they travel up to three times monthly to assist their parents." Later this year Parent Care will field a study to determine if there is correlation between caregiver travel and depression that is similar to the dementia caregiver links identified in previous studies. About Parent Care, Inc.
Parent Care is the leading information source for the country's seven million long distance eldercare providers and their employers. Parent Care, The Parent Care Report, The Parent Care Channel and The Parent Care Gift Certificate are registered trademarks of the firm. ###
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