Everyone, she said, is affected in some way. To illustrate her point, she quotes former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who has done extensive work in building resources and support for caregivers. A caregiver is an adult who provides care for another person who may have a debilitating condition, such as a stroke, or a terminal illness, such as cancer. The ill person usually lives with the caregiver , but can be in a nursing home as well. Yet their selfless contributions exact a high toll.
Depression is a typical side effect.
If it reaches a severe level, they may have to relinquish their role as a caregiver. They may become physically ill and not able to continue. One factor that fuels depression in caregivers is lack of sleep. They can keep their depression at a manageable level. And sleep is something I can do something about.