Being a caregiver is rewarding to the millions of people who spend their lives caring for others. In an effort to always to their best for their senior loved ones or other close family members or friends, caregivers often neglect themselves. Their health and well being is on the bottom of the to-do list. This can put them at risk for health disorders like stress, depression, and anxiety. Alzheimer’s Care Tucson understands that the duties of a caregiver are physically and emotionally challenging, and can cause the caregiver to assume feelings of guilt if they take any moments away from the older adult to care for themselves.
Learning About Depression
Depression and being a caregiver should not be synonymous. It is possible to be a devoted caregiver taking care of the needs of your senior loved one, and being physically and emotionally healthy because you take time to care for yourself. Serious consequences occur when you neglect your own needs. There are several causes of depression that include brain chemistry, genetics, and life experiences, but you as a caregiver can get burned out to the point of feeling lethargic, fatigued, and anxious. All of these can lead to depression. Other common factors for depression among caregivers may include the following.
Lack Of Sleep
This can cause you to wake up tired and listless. You may not be as focused as you should, and may become careless. You are stressed throughout the day, and this leads to a repeat of the lack of sleep pattern. Continuation of this pattern will make you an insomniac which leads to depression.
Not Eating Properly
Poor nutrition leads to depression also because the body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body, and eating an unhealthy diet does not provide the body with the nutrients it needs.
Not Being Physically Active Can Make You Depressed
The body needs to move to strengthen the muscles, help keep joints and bones flexible, and to help keep the blood pumping to the heart. Caregivers need to take some time to get into a regular exercise routine. A few minutes a couple of times a day will not take you away from your duties for very long. This is very beneficial for the body and the mind, and it wards off depression.
Conclusion
There will be times when you may feel overwhelmed and over worked while caring for a senior loved one. Taking care of yourself means that you will be able to identify the times when a break is necessary. During this break, see you primary care physician to ensure that you are in good shape. Tucson Home care wants you to take some time to go shopping, to a movie or theater, relax at the spa, or sit quietly and read that book you promised yourself that you would read. Respite care for your older adult is there for your benefit. Your loved one is taken care of, and you can take care of you.
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