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Depression in Carers - Fact Sheet
 Caring for someone may be
a 24 hour job that can become emotionally, physically and financially
stressful.
No one wants to think about it yet 1
in 5 families in Australia
are faced with looking after someone who may have a disability, chronic illness
or someone who has become frail and aged. Usually one person within each family
will take on the caring role; often because it is an adult who is injured,
sometimes to ensure that an income is maintained.
Carers are those in a position to lend
support – spouses, parents, brothers or sisters, friends, work colleagues,
grandparents or other relatives. Often the person does not seek to be a
“carer”, but their relationship and concern for the individual places them in
this role.
Many
studies have demonstrated that the behaviour of individuals with traumatic
brain injury (TBI) predicts the emotional adjustment of their caregivers.
At the risk
of stating the obvious, caring for a person with challenging behaviour is more
likely to result in emotional problems for the carer than is caring for someone
who does not exhibit challenging behaviour.
Depression and Carers
The most
common emotional problem encountered by carers is depression.
A study by
Robert Cummins of the school of psychology at Deakin University
reveals that 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.
The study,
based on the responses of 3,750 carers to a detailed questionnaire, showed 56
per cent would be classified as moderately depressed compared with 6 per cent
of the general population.
Almost 40
per cent of the carers were estimated to fall in the "severe" to
"extremely severe" range of depression. The average carer also
experienced moderate levels of stress.
Carers Australia
report that 2.6 million Australians were carers, and half a million were in
particular distress from being on call 24 hours a day. As well, 104,000 were
dependent on a Centrelink carer pension and a further 400,000 received a small
fortnightly Centrelink allowance.
Clinical depression
While the
term "depression" is commonly used to describe a temporary decreased
mood when one "feels blue", clinical depression is a serious illness
that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that cannot simply be willed or
wished away. It is often a disabling disease that affects a person's work,
family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability
to enjoy life.
Preventing
depression is often as simple as being aware of your own situation and
accepting your own limitations.
Caring for
a person with an ABI is difficult, particularly if they exhibit challenging
behaviours. It is not just possible that this may lead to emotional problems including
depression; it is quite likely, especially if the carer ignores their own needs
and focuses solely on the needs of their loved one.
Perhaps the
single most important means of preventing depression in carers is respite.
Respite is a vital part of
maintaining your health and sanity. Use the following checklist to see if you are
doing what you need to look after yourself. Do you:
- ask for help when you need it
- take time for yourself
- exercise, eat well and rest
- relax regularly
- keep up social contacts
- attend a carers group for
support
- access and use available
services
- acknowledge and deal with
feelings.
Looking
after yourself is vital if you are to remain as effective a carer as you can
be.
Sometimes
however, despite the best efforts, carers may start to show signs of clinical
depression such as:
- moodiness that is out of character
- increased irritability and frustration
- finding it hard to take minor personal
criticisms
- spending less time with friends and family
- loss of interest in food, sex, exercise or
other pleasurable activities
- being awake throughout the night
- increased alcohol and drug use
- staying home from work or school
- increased physical health complaints like
fatigue or pain
- being reckless or taking unnecessary risks
(e.g. driving fast or dangerously)
- slowing down of thoughts and actions.
If you are
experiencing these sorts of symptoms then it is important that you speak to
your GP about it as soon as possible. Depression does not just go away and
early treatment is much more effective than delayed treatment.
Treatment
for depression can be medication, talking therapies or a combination of both.
Depressive disorders make one feel
exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and
feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that
these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately
reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins
to take effect. In the meantime:
- Set realistic goals in light of the
depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
- Break
large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you
can.
- Try to be with other people and to confide
in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
- Participate in activities that may make
you feel better.
- Mild exercise, going to a movie or
participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
- Expect your mood to improve gradually, not
immediately. Feeling better takes time.
- It is advisable to postpone important
decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a
significant transition such as changing jobs, getting married or divorced,
discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of
your situation.
- People rarely "snap out of" a
depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
- Remember, positive thinking will replace the
negative thinking that is part of the depression and that will disappear
as your depression responds to treatment.
- Let your family and friends
help you.
Remember
that respite is not just for you. Respite care is in the best interest of the
person you are caring for too.
References
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Depression in Carers 
