Beating the Caregiver Blues

• Depression and caregiver blues

• Treatment of depression

Depression and caregiver blues

Caregiving is isolating work. You're alone most of the day, making small sacrifices that no one sees or acknowledges. It's not surprising that depression is common among caregivers.

Deep sadness, constant self-criticism, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, or trouble concentrating can all be signs of depression—a medical condition that deserves treatment.

Everyone feels sad sometimes. Bad days happen. But sadness that comes from stress or fatigue usually passes within days. Clinical depression is different: it lasts longer and interferes with your ability to function.

Some research suggests hormonal changes during menopause may contribute to depression in women, though the evidence is still unclear.

Many women report increased irritability during perimenopause. Sleep loss during this time can cause mood changes that feel like depression but may improve once sleep normalizes.

Treatment of depression

Start by talking with your primary care doctor or gynecologist about what you're experiencing. They can evaluate your symptoms and either treat you or refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Most people with depression are treated as outpatients using therapy, medication, or both.

Some people also find relief with exercise or herbal remedies like St. John's Wort, though discuss any new treatment with your doctor first.

Depression takes several forms. The most common types are:

Major depression: This involves persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning—work, sleep, eating, activities you enjoy. Symptoms last at least two weeks and can recur. Typically four or more of these are present:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
  • Hopelessness or pessimism
  • Guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Loss of interest in hobbies, activities, or sex
• Insomnia, early waking, or oversleeping
• Weight loss, loss of appetite, or weight gain
• Low energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Restlessness or irritability
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Physical symptoms that don't improve with treatment, such as headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain
• Dysthymia: A milder but longer-lasting form of depression. It doesn't stop you from functioning, but it keeps you from feeling fully like yourself or doing your best.

• Bipolar disorder: This condition involves cycles of depression alternating with periods of high energy and elevated mood. It's less common than other depressive disorders and often runs in families.
• Sub-clinical depression: This condition involves two or more depressive symptoms occurring most of the time for at least two weeks, along with difficulty in social or work situations.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A mood disorder four times more common in women than men, characterized by depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually winter. Reduced sunlight is thought to trigger it, and light therapy is often helpful.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that is four times more common in women than men, and characterized by depression related to a certain season of the year, especially winter. The decreased amount of sunlight during the winter is believed to cause this disorder, which is often treated with light therapy.