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Mental Illness and the Caregiver Double Standard

May 29, 2014 Chrisa Hickey

Two weeks ago, I went back on antidepressants. I say "back" because I took them during a protracted period of depression several years ago, but weaned myself off of them after about six months because I didn’t think they were doing much for me. But two weeks ago, after weeks of urging by my husband and a close friend, I went back to my psychiatrist and he felt I should try an antidepressant. I am beginning to feel better, I must admit, and if I’m being honest with myself, I white-knuckled it through the winter and early spring, knowing I was in depression, and refusing to do anything about it other than hide and eat (food is my self-medication of choice). But I felt defeated, walking into the doctor’s office, as if I was a failure. So after putting on 25 pounds and crying every day for a month, I gave in and got myself some help.

The Caregiver Double Standard

Caregivers of persons with mental illness often experience depression, anxiety, and stress, but do not seek the same kind of care they advocate for their loved ones.

It’s a twisted type of irony that caregivers of persons with mental illness often have a double-standard when it comes to their own mental well-being. We encourage our loved ones to take their medication and attend therapy, but to suggest that we could benefit from the same is rejected as ludicrous. We must be strong. If we need help, we have failed ourselves and our family. For me, I feel that if I admit I have this “weakness,” I will be seen as less than, at work and at home. It’s not rational, and I wouldn’t let my friends or extended family languish in denial. So why do I do it to myself? Caregivers have an elevated risk of depression and anxiety, no matter what type of disability the person they care for has.

An Unhealthy Caregiver Is an Ineffective Caregiver

We caregivers need to constantly remind ourselves that our loved ones are only as stable and healthy as we are. If we are stressed out, anxious, or depressed, that will have an impact on the ones we care for. Some medical professionals have begun labeling this as “caregiver stress syndrome,” the stress of which can cause weight loss or gain, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and depression. I know that suggesting we go out to dinner, spend time with friends, or take a yoga class sounds easier said than done. Like 61% of caregivers, I have a full-time job outside the home and time is a luxury. But I know that when I am stressed and depressed, Tim responds in kind, of course. The mood of our home and of the rest of the family impacts his mood and stability. I need to let myself off the hook and remember this. I deserve mental and emotional stability as much as my son does. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s good parenting.

Image by Emergency Brake.

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APA Reference
Hickey, C. (2014, May 29). Mental Illness and the Caregiver Double Standard, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/mentalillnessinthefamily/2014/05/mental-illness-and-the-caregiver-double-standard



Author: Chrisa Hickey

Jean Meister
June, 10 2014 at 5:56 am

Chrisa -- You speak for multitudes of parents! We need a push to take care of ourselves, because everyone else comes first. Thanks for a very important message! Jean

sherrie semones
May, 29 2014 at 6:26 pm

I have been dignosed bipolar since 1994. I have been in & out of hospitals 2 state phacilities Through the years I have been through hell trying to get the proper Doctor to treat me. I have been depressed all winter weight gain the works. My significant other of 20 yrs can't make love to me wantt even hold me! What do i do?I'm taking myy medicine
t me.

Katie
June, 12 2014 at 4:47 am

So true. I denied my own PTSD to deal with my children's PTSD (domestic violence). During that time of denying my illness and being everyone's rock I slowly swirled the drain. Finally I found myself under water and unable to come up for air. I'm now on short-term disability, unable to cope with day-to-day life. My kids, so used to having me be the strong one, are falling apart. Had I put the same effort into my own care at the same time perhaps we could've healed as a family rather than starting from scratch now.

KCSHREVE
June, 11 2014 at 10:03 am

As a fellow caregiver, I have to remind myself that I am in a marathon, not a sprint. Marathon mentality helps me, but also discourages me, as this is exhausting work. You are so wise to do self-care first and foremost. It is very hard to apply, for so many reasons. Thank you for the reminder, and the personal story.

Celeste
February, 24 2015 at 6:57 am

MFT student Thesis project:Do you have a loved one with mental illness?
Do you have a loved one (a friend, relative, partner) with mental health issues for example depression, anxiety, bipolar, autism, schizophrenia, or substance abuse? Do you provide time, energy, attention or support for a loved one suffering from mental illness? Participants needed for survey concerning these issues. Must be 18 years of age or older.
Participation is completely voluntary and confidential.
The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating in this study please click on the link below and the follow the instructions:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/caregiversoflovedoneswithmentalillness

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