Dr. Eboni Green
December 5, 2016
Increasing evidence suggests that family caregivers are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that results when a caregiver experiences a particularly distressing and traumatic event while caring for a sick or disabled loved one or client. Caregivers who are at an increased risk for developing PTSD include those caring for loved ones who are suffering from a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, or a long-term debilitating illness, such as dementia. Researchers suggest that caring for an elder or disabled loved one or client with a life-threatening disease may arouse feelings of grief, anger, and sometimes hopelessness, which, over time, may result in a PTSD response. There is also evidence that PTSD is prevalent among caregivers who participate in making end-of-life decisions, especially when a loved one subsequently passes away.
Caregivers who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD often blame themselves for not being there enough or doing enough for a loved one, exaggerate the likelihood of future negative health outcomes for their loved one (even if the feelings are not warranted), and experience feelings of shame, hopelessness, despair, guilt, and/or physical distress. Left untreated, PTSD can impact your psychological well-being, which can affect your ability to care for your loved one.
Psychological wellness refers to the caregiver’s ability to cope with stress, depression, anger, grief, and anxiety; to problem solve; and to communicate effectively with family, friends, and the rest of the health care team.
Psychological wellness is a part of the Caregiver Wellness: U model, a conceptual model that incorporates the movement toward social, psychological, physical, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, and financial wellness, while also incorporating the empowerment and resilience necessary to take charge of your health on a holistic basis. The components are not chronological; rather, they represent collective components. According to the Caregiver Wellness: U model, being psychologically well means that you have adequate coping skills to deal with the sometimes-competing emotions associated with caring for a loved one or client.
Please take this opportunity to evaluate your risk factors for developing PTSD. Following are five statements; consider each statement openly and honestly. Assign two points (2) if you agree with the statement, assign one point (1) if you somewhat agree, and do not assign any points (0) if you do not agree with the statement.
If I were to think about my loved one being sick, I would not be able to handle it.
I often feel as though I do not know myself anymore.
I feel as though I have to be very careful because I do not know what could happen next.
I do not feel as though I can rely on others.
Someone else could have stopped my loved one from being so ill.
A score of 7 or higher may indicate that you might want to reach out to a health care professional or counselor to discuss your feelings.
A score between 4 and 6 may indicate that you are at a moderate risk for developing PTSD.
A score between 0 and 3 may indicate that you are at a low risk for developing PTSD.
Reach out for help. It is important to recognize that you may have had little time to adjust to the demands of caring for someone you love that is also extremely ill. Managing the anxiety associated with providing such care can be complex; therefore, it is important to identify your greatest triggers for anxiety. Identifying your sources of anxiety and distress is best accomplished by working with a trained health care professional. Most professionals suggest using cognitive behavioral therapy to work through the triggers of stress and anxiety. However, it is up to you and your health care professional to determine the strategy that will work best for you.
Express your feelings of anxiety or stress with a counselor, pastor, or close friend. Whenever possible, try to express your feelings as they arise. It is important not to hold in your emotions. Try talking to a close friend, a counselor, or your pastor, or you may decide to join a support group. It is important that you use whatever works best to make your situation better. Over time, having expressed your feelings will be better for your personal well-being and the well-being of your loved one.
Visit the National Center for PTSD. There is a variety of information and resources for individuals who are suffering from PTSD at the National Center for PTSD.
Print out the Your Portable Guide to Stress Relief, a valuable resource published by Harvard Health Publications. Included in the guide are quick tips for managing your stress in the workplace. The suggested activities can be performed during your scheduled work breaks or at other times when you are feeling stressed.
Gage how are you doing. Do you want to better understand your wellbeing? The “Ask Emma” Caregiver Support Tool is a strength’s-based self-help tool, designed to empower you to achieve optimum wellness. Check out the features and benefits of using this valuable wellness tool designed just for you.
There are healthy ways to cope with and work through symptoms of PTSD. The first step is recognizing the risks for developing the disorder and then reaching out and accessing sources of support, when needed.
