Guilt is powerful, immobilizing and self-effacing. Depression is probably the most noted and debilitating of the emotions that you may face. The incidence of depression in caregivers has been reported to be three times that in a similar population. Isolation, loss, fatigue, and frustration make the caregiver vulnerable to depression. Clinical depression can be debilitating and require professional intervention.
Depression makes the caregiver vulnerable to a variety of unhealthy ways of coping.
While caregivers find themselves confronted with several emotions that they find unacceptable, it is depression that puts them at risk. If you have these symptoms of depression or are having trouble coping with your role as a caregiver, consult with your doctor, a support group or a qualified medical professional at once. It is important to identify both the good and bad feelings, and to accept and understand your feelings so you can better cope with them.