Caregivers often suffer the most in their care of the ill. This is especially true for loved ones who become the primary care givers. Nurses also suffer seeing individuals slowly die as well. This type of difficulty can cause problems for mental health and can lead to depression. Those in pastoral care may also experience this type of depression. So many times, caregivers put others first and forget about their own mental health.
The article, “Hope for those suffering from caregiver depression” by Ann Nunnelly looks closer at care giver burnout and depression. She states,
“The caregiver position is now including spouses, children, and grandchildren. Along with this responsibility comes a need for spiritual and emotional support so the caregiver doesn’t fall prey to depression and their own physical and emotional sickness. Did you know that rough statistics show that 30% of caregivers die before those they are caring for? In addition, an increase in auto immune disease and depression haunts an exceptionally large number of caregivers. ”
To read the entire article, please click here
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology.
Chaplains, nurses, hospice and palliative care professionals are all excellent candidates for this program