A recent study by the National University Health System of Singapore recently published their findings. Spouses who care for their husband or wife are 2.5 times more likely to be depressed themselves. Men caring for their wives were less likely to be depressed than women caring for their husbands.
While one might discount a study from another country, clinical practice demonstrates that this is a real issue here in the United States as well. Women are more prone to depression than men so the study’s findings are not surprising. One wonders if men are less likely to report the depression or manifest it differently than women and that is part of the variability of the sexes. Regardless of the differences in sex distribution, it cannot be ignored.
Other statistics that were identified in the surveys of nearly 11,000 participants included the following:
The bottom line is that care giving is a loving job. However, the reality is that it is one of the most stressful set of tasks that a spouse or child does as an adult. Do not be afraid to ask for help from a healthcare provider. If the healthcare provider you talk to is not listening, find another one who will.
If you are a caregiver and you get sick, your spouse or parent may be without assistance so please get help as soon as you can. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you, or someone you know, is a caregiver and struggling with depression.