Nearly 20% of all caregivers suffer from some form of depression either during caregiving or after the caregiving journey has ended. With the added feelings of stress, isolation and worry as we try and navigate a world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, caregiving is even more difficult.

You may feel caregiving during this time is draining your energy and your spirit. You may feel completely overwhelmed. You are not alone, a growing number of caregivers are struggling with depression as they try to balance caregiving in a more difficult world.

As a caregiver, it is vital that you remain healthy, well rested and mentally capable of providing care for your loved one. Caregiving does not cause depression. But when caregivers get caught up in the web of trying to do everything themselves, they become overtired and often even more isolated from people who care about them, at at time when we all feel isolated. Even the most capable people can become angry, sad, lonely and anxious.

You may be experiencing signs of mental health issues, though you may not recognize them right away. This can be especially true now in a time when so much feels so new and very uncertain. If you think you may be feeling the effects of depression, ask yourself these questions:

  • What are your eating habits like? Have they changed dramatically causing unusual weight gain or loss?
  • Are you tired all the time?
  • How is your sleep? Do you seem to want to sleep all the time or is your sleep interrupted on a regular basis?
  • Does it seem like you get angry or agitated easily?
  • Have you lost your love for things that used to bring you joy?
  • Do you feel like you aren’t good enough or that nothing you do is good enough?
  • Do you seem to have chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues?

If these feel familiar, here are some important steps to take.

Seek Professional Help

If you found your answer to several of these was “Yes,” it might be a good idea to talk to someone who is qualified to diagnose and treat depression. A professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist can assess your condition and suggest ways to cope. Many mental health professionals are offering telehealth sessions, so you don’t have to worry about attempting an office visit.

Find Others Who Share Your Experiences and Struggles

Consider joining a good online support group. Support groups can help with coping skills and give you connections to other caregivers. They can be a great outlet for sharing feelings and recognizing you are not alone, there are others who can relate to what you are experiencing. Support groups can also help reduce the feelings of isolation, especially now.

Stay Connected

It is important to have an active support network. Make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family. It may help to set scheduled calls with family members or friends, a time to catch up and connect. Online video chats, actually seeing a friend’s face can make you feel less isolated. It’s important to stay connected. Especially with those that seem to always lift your spirits.

Accept Help

Hospice of South Texas can also be a resource, we can help share in caregiving responsibilities and provide an extra layer of support in the safety of your home. Many believe our care is only medical, but we also care for the mind and spirit. We can help you feel less overwhelmed and less like the weight of caregiving is only on your shoulders. Having support and not feeling solely responsible for your loved one can help with caregiving depression.

These are certainly difficult times. As a caregiver, it is so important that you take care of yourself so that you can provide care for your loved one. We hope you find these tips useful, so you can feel more empowered to continue the important role you are playing in the life of your loved one.