Caring for the Caregivers: The Importance of Mental Health Support for Caregivers of People with Cancer

Cancer doesn’t just affect the person facing the diagnosis; it also has a profound impact on their loved ones, particularly those who take on the role of caregiver. For working caregivers, balancing the demands of employment with the responsibilities of caring for their loved one can be incredibly stressful and challenging. While it’s all too easy to let your own mental health and well-being get put on the back burner, it’s essential to make sure you are getting the proper support as well. Taking care of your mental well-being will help you better care for your loved one and navigate this extremely difficult life circumstance more resiliently.

If you’re a working caregiver, here are a few things to remember about your mental health.

 

Signs of caregiver burnout

Research shows that more than 60 percent of caregivers experience burnout—a state of extreme physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. One of the most important ways we can help combat caregiver burnout, both in ourselves and others, is by understanding and being on the lookout for the signs:

• Feeling constant low energy and exhaustion
• Getting sick more often than usual
• Not getting enough sleep
• Experiencing changes in mood, including increased irritability
• Experiencing increased forgetfulness or distraction
• Withdrawing from people or social situations
• Not engaging in hobbies or other things you used to enjoy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may not be getting the mental health support you need; it may be time to ask for help. If you notice a colleague, friend, or family member struggling with these symptoms, don’t wait for them to come to you—reach out and offer your support.

 

Professional Support

Witnessing a loved one battle cancer while trying to juggle the demands of work puts a significant strain on a person’s mental health. Caregivers of people with cancer experience a myriad of complex emotions, ranging from fear and anxiety to guilt and sadness, and it’s crucial to acknowledge and process these emotions in a healthy way. Mental health support can provide a safe space to express your feelings, share common experiences, and receive validation and understanding.

Your EAP is a good place to find professional support resources, including individual counseling, support groups, or online forums. You can also find resources and information regarding respite care—short-term relief for primary caregivers—and FMLA leave.

 

Social Support

Caregiving is time-consuming and isolating. Faced with new and daunting constraints on your time, you may start to feel disconnected from your usual social support networks. This can be especially true if you’re also working. One way to battle this isolation is to participate in support groups tailored explicitly to caregivers of people with cancer. There is strength in numbers, and these groups can provide an important sense of belonging and solidarity.

It’s also important to maintain social connections outside of your caregiving role. This can help you preserve your identity and prevent burnout. Continue to visit with your friends and family as much as you can, and take time out to engage in social activities, like exercise classes or other group hobbies, that you enjoy. Even a quick phone call to a friend can provide that important social connection!

 

Importance of Physical Activity

Working caregivers can find it incredibly daunting to prioritize exercise amid all their other responsibilities, but the link between physical activity and mental well-being is very clear! Regular exercise improves physical health and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Whether going for a brisk walk during your lunch break, practicing yoga or tai chi first thing in the morning, or engaging in strength training sessions, finding enjoyable physical activities can help alleviate some of your day-to-day stress and boost your mood. Prioritizing exercise also gives you a valuable opportunity to take a break from your caregiving duties and focus on your own well-being. You can even exercise with a friend to get the added social benefit!

 

How to Support a Caregiving Co-Worker

If you have a colleague or employee who has become a caregiver to a loved one with cancer, there is plenty you can do to help as well.

Ensure they have access to and understand the resources available to them, including individual counseling, support groups, or FMLA leave. To provide more immediate day-to-day support, discuss reprioritizing projects or shifting responsibility for certain tasks to reduce the load on any caregivers on your team. Managers should work to accommodate more flexible working schedules or remote work options.

You can also offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, but when offering more personal support, make sure to respect your co-worker’s boundaries.

Include your co-worker in team events like happy hours or team-building activities. Invite them for lunch or coffee and talk about lighter topics to give them a break. By nurturing more “normal” social relationships, we can help caregivers recharge and replenish their emotional reserves.

 

Mental health support plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of working caregivers of people with cancer. By prioritizing their mental health, caregivers can cultivate resilience, cope more effectively with stress, and protect their well-being even amid the demands of their new role.