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Life Stages
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 As a caregiver, you’re under a lot of stress. It’s common to go into a “caregiving frenzy” and let your own health suffer. Watch out for: * Excessive use of alcohol, medications or sleeping pills * Appetite changes — either eating too much or too little * Depression, hopelessness, feelings of alienation, lack of energy to do new things * Thoughts of death * Losing control physically or emotionally * Neglect or rough treatment of the person for whom you are caring * Trouble falling or staying asleep * Difficulty concentrating, missing appointments Check for signs of depression also. Consult a doctor if you have experienced four or more of these for at least two weeks: * Depressed mood (despondent, pessimistic about the future, hopelessness, withdrawn) * Marked loss of interest or pleasure * Feeling worthless or guilty * Change in appetite or weight * Loss of energy * Fearfulness of activity * Sleeping too much or too little * Lack of interest in personal hygiene * Lack of interest in sex * Anxiety * Tearfulness * Easily distracted * Agitation or restlessness * Inability to concentrate, make decisions, remember or comprehend instructions * Thoughts of death or suicide * Failure to return to work Courtesy of the American Heart Association |
