THERAPY FOR CAREGIVER STRESS
IN ORANGE COUNTY

WHO IS CONSIDERED A CAREGIVER?

A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person in need. This may include a child, aging parent, partner or spouse, relative, or friend. Caregiving often involves providing help in the person’s daily life. Examples include helping the person to eat, drink, bathe, get dressed, take medications, and get to and from medical appointments.

Oftentimes, caregivers don’t choose to become caregivers. Certain life circumstances may force an individual into a caretaking role. This could look like an ill or disabled child, spouse, family member, parent, close friend or neighbor. 

Caregiver stress and burnout can also impact paid caregivers who have chosen to go into a helping profession. Professional caregivers are often underpaid and work long hours that take them away from their own families.

HOW MANY CAREGIVERS ARE IN OC?

There are an estimated 900,000 to 1.3 million caregivers in New York City, a substantial number faced with the challenging task of balancing full-time work with caring for a loved one. According to the Department of Health of New York State, a staggering 70% of these caregivers have reported experiencing detrimental mental health symptoms. Among them, 55% noted struggles with anxiety or depression, while 32% disclosed grappling with suicidal thoughts, highlighting the critical need for mental health support and resources for caregivers in the bustling city.

Caregiver stress and burnout is common among those who give much of themselves to others. Unfortunately, the effects of caregiver stress on one’s mental health may not be recognized as legitimate concerns. When the focus is on an individual with a serious disability or illness, it can be challenging to ask others for help.

WHAT IS CAREGIVER STRESS?

Common Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout

As a caregiver, you may not feel able to take breaks or think about your own well-being. Due to a habitual focus on the needs of the individual requiring constant care, your own needs may suffer.

Caregivers are often expected to be “on call” all day. As a result, this can leave little time for friends, family, or taking care of one’s own needs and interests.

Many family caregivers find themselves in impossible situations with a lot of responsibility. Factors such as finances, living situations, guilt, fear, or anxiety about being unable to meet all the needs of their loved ones are common. Often, issues may be further compounded by needing others’ help to care for their loved ones.

Caregiver stress describes the physiological, emotional and mental fatigue from caring for others. 

Here are the signs and symptoms that a someone with caregiver stress may experience:

• Always feeling concerned or overwhelmed

• Often feeling exhausted and weary 

• Having trouble sleeping

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Feeling alone or isolated from others

• Excessive weight gain or weight loss

• Becoming easily irritable or quick to anger

• Losing interest in friends and previously enjoyed activities

• Depression and anxiety

• Having headaches, body discomfort, or other physical issues regularly

If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms from the list, it can be a sign that you may benefit from seeking professional help.