And the caregiver was working. NFCA's population tends more to those who are providing intensive level care. Those are the caregivers most prone to depression. A very high rate - six times the national average for clinical depression. We also found that they had frustration, isolation, sleeplessness, back problems, and other stress-related circumstances.
Caregivers often put their own health on the line to care for loved ones.
The ways that we advise people and the philosophy we developed grew out of my own experience. Over time we have developed a philosophy to help caregivers keep on an even keel and to feel better about themselves. WE call it NFCA Principles of Self Advocacy. The first one is to choose to take charge of your life. That means recognizing that caregiving is a part of your life, but it shouldn't be the totality.