Caregiver stress is a significant problem for millions of adult children and loved ones of disabled persons. Depression is a key risk for these individuals especially at specific times of the year or when job stress and other family responsibilities are greater than usual.
Caregivers may experience significant denial and a lack of effective coping skills making the issue of resilience a key concern. This may also increase risk to themselves and the employer. This tip sheet is designed to educate, build awareness, encourage the pursuit of stress management techniques and help caregivers live with less isolation, frustration, anger, and depression.
Because caregivers are often adult children, they are at increased risk for feeling boxed in at a time in their lives where developmental psychology dictates the pursuit of life changes and personal examination. (AKA a "mid-life crisis" period.) Feeling unable to make life changes because of the caregiver role may also contribute to great frustration, mental health challenges, and struggles with managing anger, depression, one's career, and the risk of ensuing declines in productivity.
Managing Caregiver Stress
Fresh Resources for EAPs and Workforce Management Professionals