Caring for someone you love can be one of the most meaningful roles in your life. It can also be one of the most demanding. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a spouse, a child with special needs, or a loved one living with a mental health or substance use disorder, it’s easy to become so focused on their needs that your own well-being takes a back seat.
Over time, the physical, mental and emotional demands of caregiving can contribute to chronic stress, depression, sleep problems and feelings of guilt or frustration. In fact, research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that nearly two-thirds of caregivers (64%) report moderate to high emotional stress. Yet caregivers often overlook their own needs or feel they should be able to manage everything on their own.
The Hidden Population
Caregivers are sometimes called the “hidden population” because so much of what they do happens behind the scenes. While healthcare services naturally focus on the person receiving care, the emotional and physical well-being of the caregiver can receive less attention.
For many, caregiving responsibilities extend well beyond medical appointments or daily tasks. Even when a loved one moves into a nursing home, assisted living facility, group home or another residential care setting, caregivers often continue to provide companionship and advocacy.
Others find themselves part of the “sandwich generation,” caring for aging parents while also raising their own children. These responsibilities can be rewarding, but they can also become overwhelming, particularly when caregivers don’t have enough support.
Isolation and Guilt
Caregiving can change relationships, routines and the amount of time available for personal interests. Some caregivers find themselves spending less time with friends or becoming disconnected from activities they once enjoyed.
Even when opportunities for a break arise, feelings of guilt can make it difficult to step away. You might worry that you’re not doing enough or believe that taking time for yourself means putting your loved one’s needs second. But caring for your own mental health doesn’t mean you care any less about the person who depends on you. Maintaining connections with friends and family is an important part of your well-being.
Financial Stress
For many families, caregiving also brings financial challenges. Some caregivers reduce their work hours or leave their jobs entirely to meet a loved one’s needs. Others balance full-time employment with caregiving responsibilities, leaving little time for rest or personal needs. Lost income, out-of-pocket expenses and concerns about long-term financial security can add another layer of stress.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Supporting someone you love shouldn’t mean putting your own well-being aside. Whether it’s talking with a mental health professional, connecting with other caregivers, asking family members for help or exploring respite care, there are ways to find support while continuing to care for your loved one.
At Oaks Integrated Care, we recognize that families and caregivers need support, too. Our Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) in Camden County provides education, emotional support and resources for families caring for an adult loved one living with a serious mental illness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that asking for help is not a sign that you’re falling short as a caregiver. It’s an important step toward caring for yourself and the person you love.
To learn more about available support, contact our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
