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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Survivorship: Overview > Information for Caregivers > Taking Care of Yourself

Taking Care of Yourself

Watching a loved one struggle with a disease is stressful in and of itself but being responsible for their care can be even more difficult and distressing. Numerous studies have identified a large number of problems that occur in caregivers more often than others. Caregivers suffer from more diabetes, arthritis, heart attacks, heart disease, cancer, acid reflux, headaches, body pain, obesity, high blood pressure and increased insulin levels. ^{(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)} Caregivers also heal more slowly, possibly as a result of a suppressed immune system. ^{(7) (8)} Studies have shown that caregivers often neglect their own health by eating poorly, not exercising and missing doctor's appointments. ⁽¹⁾ With all these issues facing caregivers, it is no wonder that they also experience more incidences of substance abuse anxiety disorders, stress and depression. ^{(9) (1) (10)} These harmful physical, mental and emotional consequences are thought to contribute to the 63% higher risk of death among caregivers over 66 years of age. ^{(11) (12)} Spending just fifteen minutes a day to work on a hobby, read, or talk with a friend can provide a new sense of energy or a release of tension. Personal time is essential to dealing with the fatigue, irritability and stress of caregiving.

There are many duties that a caregiver may have to take on with which they may not be familiar. Because of this, caregivers can often feel overwhelmed; as if they are buried beneath errands and emotions. There are several things caregivers can do to help manage their own stress: they can ask for help, attend to personal needs, or take time to reflect.

Time spent dealing with cancer can be a time of personal growth for both caregivers and patients. Many people find deeper meaning for the important things in life while dealing with cancer. Caregivers can learn more about themselves and their own strengths while supporting someone undergoing cancer treatment. Talking with a therapist or a support group is an effective way to address feelings and gain insight into the situation. ⁽¹³⁾

Asking for help from friends and family is a good way to help alleviate some of the stress from the numerous small tasks they must complete. Friends and family may be willing to help with cooking, cleaning, taking care of children or simply listen to the caregiver's concerns. It is also important to keep in mind that some people may decline when asked to help. This should not be taken personally because people may have significant emotional/psychological reasons for turning down the request.

References for this page:

1. National Alliance for Caregiving & Evercare. (2006). Evercare® Study of Caregivers in Decline: A Close-up Look at the Health Risks of Caring for a Loved One. Bethesda, MD: National Alliance for Caregiving and Minnetonka, MN: Evercare. Accessed Aug. 7, 2007. [http://www.caregiving.org/data/Caregivers%20in%20Decline%20Study-FINAL-lowres.pdf ]
2. Ho, A., Collins, S., Davis, K. & Doty, M. (2005). A Look at Working-Age Caregivers Roles, Health Concerns, and Need for Support. New York, NY: The Commonwealth Fund.
3. Barrow, S. & Harrison, R.. Unsung heroes who put their lives at risk? Informal caring, health, and neighborhood attachment. Journal of Public Health. (2005) 27(3): 292-297 [PUBMED]
4. Shaw, W.S., Patterson, T.L., Ziegler, M.G., Dimsdale, J.E., Semple, S.J. & Grant, I.. Accelerated risk of hypertensive blood pressure recordings among Alzheimers caregivers. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, (1999)46(3): 215-227. [PUBMED]
5. Cannuscio, C.C., J. Jones, I. Kawachi, G.A. Colditz, L. Berkman and E. Rimm. 2002. Reverberation of Family Illness: A Longitudinal Assessment of Informal Caregiver and Mental Health Status in the Nurses Health Study. American Journal of Public Health 92:305-1311 [PUBMED]
6. Lee, S, G.A. Colditz, L. Berkman, and I. Kawachi. 2003. Caregiving and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in U.S. Women: A Prospective Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 24: 113-119 [PUBMED]
7. Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., Marucha, P.T., Malarkey, W.B., Mercado, A.M. & Glaser, R. Slowing of wound healing by psychological stress. Lancet, (1996) 346(8984): 1194-1196. [PUBMED]
8. Kiecolt Glaser, Ja., and R. Glaser. Chronic Stress and Age-Related Increases in the Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-6. In proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2003 [PUBMED]
9. Pinquart, M. & Sorensen, S.. Differences between caregivers and noncaregivers in psychological health and physical health: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging. (2003) 18(2): 250-267. [PUBMED]
10. Rivera HR. Rivera HR. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2009 Apr;13(2):195-202. [PUBMED]
11. Navaie-Waliser, M., Feldman, P.H., Gould, D.A., Levine, C.L., Kuerbis, A.N. & Donelan, K.. When the caregiver needs care: The plight of vulnerable caregivers. American Journal of Public Health. (2002) 92(3): 409413. [PUBMED]
12. Schulz, R. & Beach, S.R. Caregiving as a risk factor for mortality: The caregiver health effects study. Journal of the American Medical Association, (1999) 282, 2215-2219 [PUBMED]
13. Adapted from National Caner Institute. Caring for the Caregiver. U.S. National Institutes of Health. Accessed Aug. 7, 2007 [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/caring-for-the-caregiver/page1]