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Depression in Carers - Fact Sheet

Caring for someone may be a 24 hour job that can become emotionally, physically and financially stressful.

No one wants to think about it yet 1 in 5 families in Australia are faced with looking after someone who may have a disability, chronic illness or someone who has become frail and aged. Usually one person within each family will take on the caring role; often because it is an adult who is injured, sometimes to ensure that an income is maintained.

Carers are those in a position to lend support – spouses, parents, brothers or sisters, friends, work colleagues, grandparents or other relatives. Often the person does not seek to be a “carer”, but their relationship and concern for the individual places them in this role.

Many studies have demonstrated that the behaviour of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) predicts the emotional adjustment of their caregivers.

At the risk of stating the obvious, caring for a person with challenging behaviour is more likely to result in emotional problems for the carer than is caring for someone who does not exhibit challenging behaviour.

Depression and Carers

The most common emotional problem encountered by carers is depression.

A study by Robert Cummins of the school of psychology at Deakin University reveals that carers who look after frail, disabled or mentally ill relatives suffer "extraordinary" rates of depression and have the lowest level of wellbeing of any group in society.

The study, based on the responses of 3,750 carers to a detailed questionnaire, showed 56 per cent would be classified as moderately depressed compared with 6 per cent of the general population.

Almost 40 per cent of the carers were estimated to fall in the "severe" to "extremely severe" range of depression. The average carer also experienced moderate levels of stress.

Carers Australia report that 2.6 million Australians were carers, and half a million were in particular distress from being on call 24 hours a day. As well, 104,000 were dependent on a Centrelink carer pension and a further 400,000 received a small fortnightly Centrelink allowance.

Clinical depression

While the term "depression" is commonly used to describe a temporary decreased mood when one "feels blue", clinical depression is a serious illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that cannot simply be willed or wished away. It is often a disabling disease that affects a person's work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life.

Preventing depression is often as simple as being aware of your own situation and accepting your own limitations.

Caring for a person with an ABI is difficult, particularly if they exhibit challenging behaviours. It is not just possible that this may lead to emotional problems including depression; it is quite likely, especially if the carer ignores their own needs and focuses solely on the needs of their loved one.

Perhaps the single most important means of preventing depression in carers is respite.

Respite is a vital part of maintaining your health and sanity. Use the following checklist to see if you are doing what you need to look after yourself. Do you:

ask for help when you need it
take time for yourself
exercise, eat well and rest
relax regularly
keep up social contacts
attend a carers group for support
access and use available services
acknowledge and deal with feelings.

Looking after yourself is vital if you are to remain as effective a carer as you can be.

Sometimes however, despite the best efforts, carers may start to show signs of clinical depression such as:

moodiness that is out of character
increased irritability and frustration
finding it hard to take minor personal criticisms
spending less time with friends and family
loss of interest in food, sex, exercise or other pleasurable activities
being awake throughout the night
increased alcohol and drug use
staying home from work or school
increased physical health complaints like fatigue or pain
being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or dangerously)
slowing down of thoughts and actions.

If you are experiencing these sorts of symptoms then it is important that you speak to your GP about it as soon as possible. Depression does not just go away and early treatment is much more effective than delayed treatment.

Treatment for depression can be medication, talking therapies or a combination of both.

Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
Mild exercise, going to a movie or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition such as changing jobs, getting married or divorced, discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and that will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
Let your family and friends help you.