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TIME TO ADDRESS CAREGIVER STRESS
While everyone suffers from stress every now and then, caregivers are one of the most at-risk groups. It is important to learn about caregiver stress and ways to prevent it so it does not affect the quality of care you are able to give to your loved one.
WHY ARE CAREGIVERS STRESSED
More than 21% of the American adult population is serving as a caregiver at any time during the year, and most Americans will take on this role at some point in their lives, according to www.WomensHealth. gov. More than half of these caregivers are women, and they tend to be middle-aged. In addition to the stress of caring for someone who may be ill, disabled or struggling with a chronic condition, about 59% of caregivers also hold jobs in
CARE E-MAGAZINE: SPRING 2013
addition to their caregiving duties. WHY IS STRESS BAD
It is well-documented that stress can worsen physical and mental health when it is chronic or extreme. According to
www.Care2.com, chronic stress exacerbates health, communication and performance problems, and
www.Womenshealth.gov reports it can lead or contribute to health conditions such as obesity, depression, anxiety and heart disease. Stressed caregivers have also been found to have weaker immune systems and are more likely to have a long-term medical condition like cancer, diabetes or arthritis.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT CAREGIVER STRESS
It’s easy to see how stress can get the best of these individuals. That is why it is important for caregivers to be able to recognize symptoms of stress and burnout and then cope with them responsibly. Stress can take on many forms. Sometimes, it may
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