Early signs of caregiver depression and how to deal with it | A complete guide to care for the mind and body that family caregivers need to know

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What is “nursing depression”?

Nursing care does not continue with love alone.
Long-term nursing care can cause damage to the caregiver’s own mind and body. The technical term for this is ‘caregiving depression’.

Caregiving depression is similar to general depression, but
It is a physical and mental illness that is caused by the caregiving situation.

Author
“I don’t just want to be “tired,” but I want to be able to notice before my mind and body really scream.”

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How does caregiver depression occur?

Caregiving depression is more likely to occur when the following situations occur:

• Nursing care is becoming longer
• Can’t take time to rest
• No one to talk to or have friends
• Feeling anxious about nursing care and feeling isolated
• The burden of balancing nursing care with work/family

Caregiving is not only a physical burden;
✔ Psychological burden of uncertainty and uncertainty
✔ Stress of doing the same thing every day
✔ Frustration of not having time for oneself
It’s easy to overlap.

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Early signs of nursing care depression [It is important to notice first]

Caregiving depression can be prevented from becoming more serious if treated early.
Here are signs that families can easily notice.

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✔ Sign ① Prolonged fatigue and fatigue (sluggishness)

Unlike everyday fatigue,

• Doesn’t recover even if you sleep
• It’s hard to wake up
• Heavy body

If chronic sluggishness persists, be careful.

Author
“I often think it’s just fatigue. But it could be an SOS from my body.”

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✔ Sign ② Large emotional waves

• Easily irritated
• Serious anxiety and depression
• Tears come out more easily

These emotional changes are due to
accumulation of mental burden.

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✔ Sign ③ Can’t sleep/can’t relieve fatigue even after sleeping

Insomnia and mid-awakening (waking up many times during the night) are typical signs of caregiving depression.
If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to get rid of your fatigue, and you’ll feel more and more depressed.

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✔ Sign ④ Change in appetite/weight gain/loss

Due to stress

• Unable to eat
• On the contrary, I end up eating a lot

Disordered eating habits may occur.

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✔ Sign ⑤ Loss of interest and motivation

If you start to feel like you can’t enjoy your hobbies or things you like anymore or that they’re a hassle, it’s a sign of depression.

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Difference between “caregiving depression” and general depression

Caregiving depression is characterized by
✔ It is caused by the situation of caregiving
✔ Symptoms tend to improve as caregiving improves.

However, please note that if the symptoms are severe, specialized treatment may be required, just like general depression.

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Trends of people who are more likely to suffer from nursing care depression

Caregiver depression can occur in anyone, but the following people are at particular risk:

• Perfectionist personality
• I try too hard
• No one to talk to
• People who feel guilty about taking time off

Author
“Relaxing is not selfish. Rather, protecting your health is a shortcut to improving the quality of nursing care.”

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Specific ways to deal with nursing care depression

Caregiving depression can be improved and prevented by taking measures early.
Here we will introduce a practical method.

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✔ Countermeasure 1: Take scheduled breaks

Nursing care is not something you have to work hard at all the time.
It is important to secure regular rest time by using the nursing care insurance system.

• Use of day service
• Short stay
• Ask family and friends for some support

These are important means of rest.

Author
“If you make it a habit to take a short break, you will have more peace of mind.”

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✔ Countermeasure ② Have a consultation desk/friends

• Regional Comprehensive Support Center
• Nursing care support specialist (care manager)
• Group/social gathering for caregivers

By participating in these forums,
you can meet people with the same concerns and receive professional advice.

Author
“Just talking makes me feel like I’m not alone.”

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✔ Countermeasure ③ Adjust your life rhythm

✔ Wake up in the morning
✔ Go outside
✔ Move your body
✔ Get adequate rest at night

By regulating the rhythm of your life in this way, your mood and physical condition will become more stable.
Light exercise (walking, stretching) is also effective.

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✔ Countermeasure ④ Record your physical condition and feelings

With diary or memo

• Sleep
• 気分
• Physical condition

If you write down

,
you will be able to see your own patterns and it will be easier to take countermeasures.

Author
“By visualizing it, I often feel a little less anxious.”

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✔ Solution 5: Consult a specialist

If the symptoms are severe,

• Psychotherapy Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Mental counselor

It is also important to consult experts such as

.
Caregiving depression can get worse the longer it is left untreated, so early consultation is very effective.

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Care for “feelings” that cannot be told to anyone

Nursing care is not just “work that involves using your hands.”
Reacting quickly when you notice mental strain can help maintain the quality of care itself.

Author
“Nursing care is like a marathon. Taking a break midway through is not a weakness, but ‘wisdom to continue for a long time.'”

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Summary｜Recognize nursing care depression early and deal with it through rest and consultation

✔ Nursing care depression is an SOS for the mind and body
✔ It is important not to ignore the early signs
✔ Regular rest, someone to talk to, and a rhythm of life are a great help
✔ Professional support is also an option

Author
“Nursing care and self-care are both important. Don’t deal with it all by yourself, let’s move forward with help from those around us🌿”