Caregivers Support Group

A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...

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madea7 08/14/2007

I just read this article on CNN.com. Just thought that everyone out there would like to know that they have given our exhaustion & depression a name. The headline was: Exhaustion, anger of caregiving get a name. The URL is:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/08/13/caregiver.syndrome/index.html

If the URL doesn't work, you should be able to find it in CNN's Health.

It makes interesting reading. Of courese, most of us are already aware of the symptoms of this, but most of us did not know that the doctors can help.

Hugs to all

deleted_user 08/14/2007

WOW!! I just read the article and I think its only a matter of time before it is recognized as a serious syndrome. I personally have had my share of depression, anger and resentment!!! Thanks for the info-it always helps to know that we as caregivers are being heard.

Karen

deleted_user 08/14/2007

Its funny they should come to this site. They can find that most of us here suffer from the tiredness and depression. Great link and thanks for that info

deleted_user 08/14/2007

It's definitely an intersting article. I think if being a caregiver like being a stay at home mom, were given as much credit and validation as they are due we would feel less stress.

deleted_user 08/15/2007

Thank you for posting this link, very interesting article...and about damn time someone started noticing what we're going through. This needs to be part of the public debate. And speaking of debates, this needs to be addressed during the Presidential primary process. Any of these clowns aware of what's happening, and if so, what do they intend to do about it in the way of assistance for Caregivers?

deleted_user 08/15/2007

I just read the article it is right on target.

deleted_user 08/15/2007

I just wanted to say thanks for the link. I agree it was interesting Love D

deleted_user 08/15/2007

Im new at this, only 5 months into careing for my son who does not want to come to terms with his need tfor a heart transplant. He is non-compliant and angry when confronted about not keeping appts.,hydration, & meds. This syndrome sets in very quickly!!!

deleted_user 08/16/2007

I am so glad to have read the article on caregivers syndrome, my family thought I was losing it, well, I was, I will know take care of myself, and go out and enjoy and not feel guilty, the depression is awful and went on meds, but it has not helped, the article rang so true, forget the meds, just doing what is suggested is the way to freedom, thanx so very much, Marrwood. God bless

deleted_user 08/17/2007

And, I thank you, as well! I think the most imporant part of the article is as follows:
"'Caregiver stress is directly related to the way our society views the elderly and the people who care for them,' Vitaliano says. Today, caregiving is viewed largely as a burden in this county. If it were viewed as more of a societal expectation and people were willing to offer more support, fewer caregivers would suffer in isolation, he says."
And, SandyNeedsHelp, above, makes a very important point. This is political stuff, guys. Let us not forget, "The personal is political." Contact the candidates; put them on the spot about this, relentlessly. Thanks to media greed, we've got lots of time to do this.

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