The Impact of Caregiving on Mental Health

While caregiving can be deeply rewarding, it can also be a demanding role with the potential for negative impacts. The cumulative effect of these impacts can cause mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Protecting caregivers from these outcomes requires a holistic view of caregiving and how we support caregivers in our communities.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

Most caregivers don’t provide intensive care. According to the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, about 56% provide 5 or more hours of care a day, making caregiving a full-time role. Full-time caregivers are most likely to report stress that can lead to poor mental health. The longer the duration of care, the greater the strain. In addition, caregivers from marginalized communities and young caregivers face additional challenges that increase the potential for mental health concerns. Women are also more likely to report caregiving-related mental health concerns than men, since women more often provide regular, full-time care, and are more likely to be “sandwich” caregivers.

WHAT ARE THE MOST PRESSING CONCERNS?

Caregiving is different for every situation. However, there are some common challenges for full-time caregivers, including burnout, social isolation, and financial stress. Any of these concerns on their own can lead to mental health problems, but often full-time caregivers experience all of these problems. Let’s look at these three big issues and discuss how friends and family can step up to prevent poor mental health outcomes for caregivers.

BURNOUT

58% of all caregivers are tired because of caregiving. They may neglect their own needs simply due to a lack of time. Given that most caregivers work outside the home, and many have other dependants, they may find themselves stretched very thin.

Burnout manifests as exhaustion (58%), sleep disruption (40%), sadness (38%), irritability (40%) and even lowered immunity. Left unaddressed, it can lead to depression and clinical anxiety, among other concerns.

What Can Be Done About Burnout?

• Caregiving is ideally a shared job. Caregivers need time to meet their own needs, including rest and a personal life. Even offering to take one evening a week can make a difference.
• It’s important to address social norms that can pressure some caregivers to sacrifice their own needs, such as stereotypes about women being natural nurturers.
• For young caregivers, the impact of burnout can have a lifelong impact. Read more on young caregivers here.
  
  

SOCIAL ISOLATION

Loneliness and isolation are also common issues for many caregivers. 29% say they’re lonely, and 28% feel isolated. Social isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and even impact physical health.

What Can Be Done About Social Isolation?

• Many caregivers find solace in support groups and social media groups where others are facing similar challenges. Some may need help finding these resources as well as time to attend.
• Caregivers can face physical isolation when they’re providing care for someone with mobility limitations. Providing transportation can allow caregivers and their loved ones to socialize more often.
• Friends and family should make events accessible so caregivers and their loved ones can join in.
• Visiting caregivers at home is another way to help prevent loneliness from becoming a serious problem. For many, getting out is a huge task requiring significant effort. Offering to bring coffee or lunch to them is a great way to ensure caregivers maintain social contact.
  
  

FINANCIAL STRESS

Most people know what it’s likely to experience financial stress. For many caregivers, financial concerns can become extreme, especially if their ability to work is impacted. Some may become trapped in debt, leading to anxiety and a feeling of hopelessness. They may sacrifice paying for things that keep them well, such as gym memberships, eating healthy foods, or dental checkups.

What Can Be Done About Financial Stress?

• Talking about finances can be uncomfortable. Many caregivers may be too embarrassed to admit they need assistance. Start a frank dialogue in your family about how to equitably share the financial burden of caregiving proactively. Consider bringing in a neutral party, such as a financial advisor or social worker, if talking about money is likely to stir up conflict.
• Determine the dollar value of caregiving to get a clear picture of the contribution the caregiver is making. Budget what it would cost if you were to pay the market value for the required care.
• Help caregivers access financial supports by researching what is available and helping them manage the process.
• If the caregiver is employed, protect their employment status at all costs. For many, leaving a job to provide care will lead to poor health outcomes later in life.
• If the caregiver is a young person, protect their education at all costs.
  
  

SUMMARY

Burnout, social isolation, and financial stress can lead to mental health problems for family caregivers. Don’t wait for the caregivers in your life to ask for help. By proactively supporting caregivers, many of these concerns can be mitigated or completely avoided.

The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation recently awarded a grant to the University of Toronto to carry out a study on the mental health and wellbeing of family caregivers in Canada. The research finding will be incorporated in clinical care settings as well as educational curricula. This blog will be updated with links once the study is complete.