High Rates of Depression in Carers

[sapphyre]

CARERS who look after frail, disabled or mentally ill relatives suffer "extraordinary" rates of depression and have the lowest level of wellbeing of any group in society, a study reveals.

Their dissatisfaction with all aspects of life is more pronounced than other marginalised groups surveyed, such as unemployed people who live alone and people on very low incomes.

"This is truly sad stuff," said Robert Cummins, of the school of psychology at Deakin University, who will present the findings today at the launch of Carers' Week.

"We have been doing research in this area for more than six years … and I'm not aware of any group that has ever been found to have a wellbeing score as low as carers."

The study, based on the responses of 3750 carers to a detailed questionnaire, showed 56 per cent would be classified as moderately depressed compared with 6 per cent of the general population.

... continued @ www.smh.com.au/news/national/high-rates-of-deperssion-in-carers/2007/10/14/1192300600633.html

[Dawn]

That article hits home! While my husband isn't classified mentally disabled, I am on call 24/7 & we are right now living well below standard due to my being unable to work. I could get him respite care, but he won't use the bathroom or eat for anyone but me so I get very little break. I don't mind the being on call part, but I wish there was some way to have a better income...especially with a child in the home.

[jilly]

I think the reason we feel depressed at times is because we have so much placed on our shoulder all of a sudden. I remember when my hubby had his first breakdown it was like help now what do I do I did get it together but it was hard at first.
Even now it gets hard at times there are still times I sit down and have a good cry! not alot but sometimes!
Jillyoxooxxo

[jj]

I think I went through a really rough patch for a while, especially when my Mom was so ill. Not only was it physically draining but I had been single and doing my own thing, prior to her moving in, for a long time and then all the sudden to be home-bound was tough. I was never resentful but just went into this black hole for a while.

I know I still have my kind of dark periods.

[trid]

When the kids were babies, I felt the same thing. Suddenly, I had to be full time mom and not going to work, and dh was travelling on business, and there I was, trapped by a needy human being, who did very little in the entertainment department, had no consideration for my need to sleep, eat, and shower, and demanded instant attention.

Now, I find that I am very selfish with my time. I'd rather let them sleep late, and feed themselves, while I hibernate in my room.

My depression still persists, but it is far more controlled. I still stress terribly with only my social security income, although I still have a little savings put away. Living on a fixed income is straining. I worry about every thing I do, and feel guilty when I want to buy something, or go somewhere, or eat out. I have been searching the thrift shops and the want adds, to see if any of my "junk" is needed by someone else so I don't just throw out another man's treasure. My house goes uncleaned, because I just don't want to let go of what I do still have, especially things with memories attached. My wedding bouquet is silk, but it is falling apart, and I want to clear it out of the house, but I am not ready for that quite yet...

I guess, what I am saying, is that although the care giving is no longer a major issue for me, the depression lingers on. I think we all need to recognize it, and treat it, and allow ourselves to not feel guilty for wanting to be selfish when we can be. We NEED the rest more than anyone else, and we have to give ourselves permission to feel the way we do.