Studies show that an estimated 46 to 59 percent of caregivers are clinically depressed. Caregiver stress can be compounded by the stress of the loved one being cared for: the stress felt by one partner (and how that affects behavior) adding to the stress felt by the other. This circumstance can form a negative cycle of escalating stress that can lead to poor quality of life, health consequences, and poor decision making.

The caregiver can become overwhelmed by increased responsibilities, such as the need to care for children or elderly parents, pay bills, maintain the house - tasks that the partner may no longer be able to do because of the condition or the treatments.

The caregiver might focus on the needs of the patient and ignore their own health concerns. 

Here we provide some background on caregiver and patient stress, and resources that may help to relieve it and improve quality of life.  

Webcasts, Recent News and Outside Resources

	New: NCI Caring for the Caregiver: Support for Cancer Caregivers  Cancer.gov | PDF
	Balancing the caregivers needs: knowing when to seek support  Healthology Webcast  "Pure panic and fright and just feeling like nothing would ever be the same again."
	Quality of Life: Cancer patients, spouses report similar emotional distress,  U-M study finds eurekalert.org Interventions should be targeted to spouses along with patients The researchers urge more health care interventions aimed at emotional distress for  both patients and caregivers. At the same time, caregivers should recognize they too  are emotionally affected by this illness and seek appropriate support. Patients also  can play a role by encouraging their spouse to be actively involved in their care.

	A feeling that something bad is going to happen
	Anger, anxiousness, or anxiety, and denial of same
	Decrease in sociability
	Difficulty with thinking or solving problems - inability to organize or prioritize
	Fear of losing control
	Fatigue and exhaustion
	Headaches
	Postponing or missing medical appointments
	Nervousness and restlessness
	Poor eating habits
	Sadness and grief
	Sleep problems
	Tense feelings
	Trembling and shaking

	Gently invite the patient or caregiver to talk about his or her fears and concerns.
	Avoid forcing a discussion about feelings and stress.
	Listen carefully without judging the other’s feelings, or your own.
	Decide together what specific things you can do to be supportive of each other.
	For severe anxiety, reasoning might not be helpful.  Instead, talk with your doctors about the symptoms and problems you notice. Call the doctor if you or your partner is having trouble breathing, is sweating, or feeling very restless or showing signs of profound exhaustion.
	To reduce stress: Let yourself be alone for a short time to clear your head - a change of scenery—even a brief walk can make a difference.  Exercise has many benefits—it promotes better sleep, reduces tension and depression, lifts spirits, and increases energy. Think of ways you can fit exercise into your daily routine. Go to a movie or have lunch with a friend.  Let others take part in the work of caregiving.  Make a list of tasks and put them in order of importance.  This can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and aid in helping others to help you. Talking about feelings that you or family members may be having. Try to accept feelings of sadness and frustration as being normal. Decide together what specific things you can do to support each other. Avoid blaming yourself and others when you feel anxious and afraid. Try to identify the cause of the stress (usually a thought or opinion) and talk about it. Try to learn about the disease and the treatment options.   Often uncertainty and the unknown contributes to fear. Seek counseling and support groups.  See Support Groups Use prayer, meditation, or other types of spiritual support. Exercise to promote better sleep, reduces tension and depression, and increase energy.  Try to fit exercise into your daily routine.  See Exercise Try relaxation exercises or activities: yoga, take warm baths; read a book; listen to music; see a movie with a friend. Talk with your doctor about the possible use of medicine for anxiety.  See Anxiety

	New: NCI Caring for the Caregiver: Support for Cancer Caregivers  Cancer.gov | PDF
	Online Depression Screening Test  med.nyu.edu   This is "a preliminary screening test for depressive symptoms that does not replace in any way a formal psychiatric evaluation."
	Depression Resource  nci.nih.gov
	Caregivers resource page  andthoushalthonor.org
	Caregiver Support  capitalhospice.org
	Caring for the Patient with Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families  ACS.org Caregivers Often Neglect Their Mental Health  ACS.org
	Chronic illness interjects complications into marriage  about.com
	Cancer effects entire family  plwc.org  "Cancer doesn't happen to just one person. Cancer happens to couples, families, and friends. The complex emotions and lifestyle changes that follow a cancer diagnosis can be almost as overwhelming for family members and friends as they are for the person with cancer. Cancer can change the way you relate to your family and friends, and the way they relate to you."
	Anxiety resource page  PAL Antidepressant information  PAL  Counseling resources  PAL Meditation resources  PAL
	Caregiver booklets from NCI When-Someone-You-Love-Has-Advanced-Cancer When-Someone-You-Love-Has-Completed-Cancer-Treatment When-Someone-You-Love-Is-Treated
	Support Groups  PAL
	This is an excellent radio broadcast on the impact of terminal illness on a marriage and family-- its a tough listen but very well done  npr.org

Five must-do's when a loved one is ill  cnn.com  Don't be afraid to intervene  Ask questions until you understand the answer Remember that you know things the doctors don't Temper your loved one's enthusiasm for quick fixes Scope out the nurses