Caring for the caregiver - symptoms of depression...

Image by Christiana Care via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

CAREGIVER DEPRESSION Symptoms and Hope Have you ever suffered from major depression? Not just a few down days but rather consecutive down weeks in a row, and it isn't a question of your glass being half empty or half full because you can't even see anything inside worth measuring? If so, you're not alone. Family caregivers suffer from major depression much more frequently than the rest of the population. That's a fact. When a family caregiver suffers from depression, there are two people at risk - the family caregiver and the family member or friend for whom she or he cares. You will find information about the symptoms of depression, how depression can be treated and how to screen yourself for signs of depression. You will read caregivers' descriptions here of how they view their experience of depression, caregiver-to-caregiver advice, and information that takes into account the reality of what it means to be a family caregiver. Knowing you are not alone with depression begins right here. Major Depression - What it is and what it is not How to Screen Yourself for Depression How YOU can Cope with Depression Caregiving and How to Manage Stress Connect with other Family Caregivers Resources if You are Dealing with Depression The Depression in the Family Podcast is for family members or friends of someone with depression or bipolar disorder. The podcast features experts and family members who help you learn and feel supported. Scroll down the page and click on Suzanne Mintz to hear the president of NFCA talk about how you can avoid caregiver burn out. NFCA is grateful to Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D. and John Rohland, MD for their insights and assistance in the development of these family caregiver depression pages.

Related articles

• Caregiving Consequences: Can't Stress It Enough! (aarp.org)
• Does Personality Play a Role in the Stress of Caregiving? (brainblogger.com)
• Who Can Help the Family Caregiver? The Former Family Caregiver (caregiving.com)
• How will the Baby Boomers age and die? (kevinmd.com)
• The Sandwich Generation: More People Juggle Parenting and Caregiving Responsibilities (multivu.prnewswire.com)