Depression and stress: how can we help caregivers?

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health includes some concerning evidence about depression among caregivers--and people in social services. One way to help caregivers: a local event for the mind, body, and spirit.


The Problem

People employed in personal care and service have the highest rate of major depression, with nearly 11% reporting episodes in the last year, according to a report released last week by the Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (Depression among adults employed full-time, by occupational category)

A “major depressive episode” lasts two weeks or longer. The overall rate of worker depression is about 7%, and it leads to $30-40 billion in lost revenue. It’s a huge cause of absenteeism and low morale.

Other occupations that seem to put people at greater risk for depression are food preparation/serving, community and social services, and healthcare practitioners and technicians (all around 10%).

Women are at higher risk than men. The one good piece of news for people in the job market: those who work full time are significantly less likely to have had depressive episodes than people who are unemployed.

Caring for the Caregiver:
Not just a concept but an event

If you know caregivers, chances are you know people under stress. The Milwaukee Aging Consortium’s Caregiver Retention Project is one local effort to reduce caregiver stress by improving training, networking, and stress management among direct care providers.

An important free, day-long event for all types of caregivers is being offered by a number of concerned organizations including the Consortium. Please tell the caregivers you know about Caring for the Caregiver: an Event for the Mind, Body, and Spirit,Saturday, November 3, 2007, from 11 am to 5 pm, at Mount Mary College, 2900 N. Menomonee Parkway in Milwaukee.

Highlights include resources, networking, and a keynote address by Mary Marcdante (Author of My Mother, My Friend).

Perhaps most intriguing are breakout sessions include financial and legal issues, caring for difficult people, stress management, grief, faith and inspiration, laughter therapy, dementia, and activities.

At the end, caregivers will receive a certificate of attendance. Call 414-220-8600 to register.

And please let us know about your ideas, events, and experiences with caregivers and caregiving!