Take Care of Yourself

Studies consistently show that people who provide care to loved ones suffer from higher levels of depression than their non-caring peers. In fact, some studies show that as many as half of adult carers show signs of depression.

When you're faced with providing care for a loved one, do not set aside your own needs. You are the most important person in the process. If you allow yourself to "burn out", you can no longer care for your loved one and may find that it's hard to take care of yourself.

To avoid the high levels of stress associated with being a carer:

• Monitor your health. Inadequate sleep and high levels of stress can easily take a physical toll. If you find yourself physically or mentally weaker, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
• Set aside a few hours a week of down time outside of the home, maybe lunch with friends or an afternoon at the park.
• Stay connected to others. Do not allow yourself to become isolated from friends or other family members.
• See a counsellor to discuss the effects of your new found role as carer.
• Attend carer support group meetings.