Starts By Caring For Yourself (NAPSA)—Roughly 40 million Americans are family caregivers. As the nation’s population ages, that numberis 7 Ne expected to increase, according to AARP. That's one reason health experts have an important message for caregivers: To properly care for your loved one, you mustfirst take care of yourself. One Womans Story Like many caregivers, “Ellen” (not her real name) is so focused on her husband’s needs and managing their household that her own wellness is often neglected. “Some days can be very long and difficult,” she explains. For the past six years, she’s been a caregiverfor her husband, “Dan,” who was diagnosed with a mentalillness. Dan’s anxiety and depression can be paralyzing and hegets scared, agitated and nervous when Ellen isn't by his side. In addition to the emotional stress she feels from her 24/7 role of caring for Dan’s physical and mentalneeds, Ellen, whois in her late 50s, also worries aboutfinances. “I wonder how I'll find a job that will pay thebills andstill allow meto be available to my husband.” In the same breath, despite the obvious challenges she faces, Ellen speaks to the rewards of being a caregiver. “I believe it’s made our marriage stronger in many ways. We cut out thesilly little things couplesfight about and focus on the important aspects oflife” What The Science Says Researchers have closely studied the effects of caregiving on health and well-being. The Family Caregiver Alliance says caregivers are less likely to practice preventive health care and selfcare behaviors than noncaregivers. They frequently suffer from sleep deprivation, poor eating habits and lack of physical exercise. They're at increased risk of an excessive use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as having a chronic illness, including high cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies also show an estimated 46 to 59 percent of caregivers becomeclinically depressed. Make Yourself a Priority To help, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)offers free online wellness resources so caregivers can manage stress and stay healthy. These recommendations for the mind, body and spirit include: Follow a healthy lifestyle. Start with the basics. Eat healthful foods andlimit alcohol intake. Don’t smoke or use addictive substances. Exercise regularly. Consistently practice good sleep habits. Maketimeforrest and relaxation. ny 7s Ellen and Dan are finding ways to copewith his mental illness without risking her health. Make wellness part of everydaylife. Online resources, such as the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, provide practical ways to develop healthy habits that can have a positive effect on your mental and physical health. SAMHSA’ wellness strategies address emotional and general health, which are both needed to improve personalresilience and managestress. Connect with friends and family. Re- lationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hopeare essential to well-being. Schedule regular checkups and health screenings. Act on results of checkups and health screenings, such as maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure. Primary care physicians can recommend medications or treatments to help managestress. Find a support group or mental health professional. Family doctors may be able to recommend a counselor or therapist. SAMHSA can also identify mental health professionals by zip code through its Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov. As for Ellen, she’s been taking steps to make her mental and physical health a priority. During times when she feels overwhelmed, Ellen has actively start- ed to add in her ownstress relievers. “I read a book, walk around the block or sit with our cats. Sometimes I'll call a friend to comeover and sit with Dan, so I can take a break or run a quick errand” She recently signed up for a 12week course for caregivers, something a friend offered to attend with her. It helps her feel less stressed and boosts her well-being. Providing care for loved onesis an act of great generosity and it can be rewarding. However, it can also be stressful and may occupya greatdealoftime.It’s critical for caregivers to balance their own needs with whatthey provide to others. Not only will they feel better, they'll be better able to help. The keyis learning to incorporate wellness into everydaylife.
