You are a caregiver, you are also working and you are stressed out! Well, you are not alone. Employees with caregiving responsibilities have higher reported rates of major health conditions such as depression, hypertension and diabetes compared to non-caregiving employees. What's more, female employees with eldercare responsibilities reported more stress at home, and younger female employees were the most affected. In fact, employees with caregiving responsibilities were more likely to report negative influences of personal life on their work.

 

Maybe your own personal caregiving situation started slowly – helping your mom with her bills, then taking her to the doctor and eventually doing more and more for her. Or maybe it happened all of a sudden – when your father fell and broke his hip. But however it began for you personally, there are millions of other caregivers just like you facing the same challenges you are! An estimated 22 million Americans are working and caring – that’s nearly one out of every five workers!

 

Being a caregiver is not something you wanted. And nothing can really prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a caregiver. On many days, you will probably feel overwhelmed. Many family caregivers in your situation also experience feelings of anger, depression, and guilt. Just know that all these feelings are normal. And know, too, that for many people caregiving can ultimately be one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives!

 

Use the links below to manage the stress of caregiving, avoid burnout, stay healthy and maintain some sense of balance in your life.