Is It Normal to Feel Depressed as a Caregiver?
It's inevitable that caregivers will have periods of time when they are unhappy. Caregiving is very demanding and should be expected to trigger a range of emotions. At times this will include good feelings, but it will also include sadness, anxiety, and the blues. Actual depression is an illness, however, and therefore not a "normal" part of being a caregiver.
That said, there are few things more stressful than taking care of someone else. Especially taxing is caring for someone with dementia, who has many needs but doesn't recognize his or her shortcomings and generally can't appreciate (or may even resist) the caregiver's efforts. Without significant help, a caregiver will develop a profound fatigue from the physical and emotional toll -- and this incredible stress can ultimately trigger depression.
