There are over 63 million caregivers in the United States who provide direct care to a family member or relative with a chronic illness or disability (AARP)
Caregivers are providing care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s, which affects approximately 7.4 million people; one in twenty adults has a significant mental health disorder, and one in five adolescents has a mental health disorder. There are 61 million adults with functional disabilities, and 14.5 million children with disabilities that require specialized care (CDC)
In her book The Science of Stuck (2022), Britt Frank describes trauma as anything that happens too much, too fast, too soon. As caregivers, we are often faced with situations that can be traumatizing and result in secondary traumatic stress.
As a caregiver, the role does not come with the significant training that professional caregivers, such as nurses, certified nursing assistants, and patient care technicians, receive. Many learn “on the job.”
Caregivers may be required to perform bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, and dressing. It can include managing treatments and medications. The care may also include managing significant behavioral issues. The care may be provided over years.
How does this result in secondary traumatic stress?
Caring for someone with a chronic illness can mean that you will experience the pain and suffering of the person you are caring for. There may be medical emergencies and the need to make split-second choices to seek medical attention or to honor the family member’s wishes not to intervene. There may be ongoing behavioral issues that may result in physical harm to them or you.
For caregivers who are providing ongoing care to someone who experiences behavioral issues, there may be interactions with police and the judicial systems that do not have the needed training to work with people with significant disabilities. It may impact employment, resulting in being called away from work to address an emergency or missing work due to escalating behaviors.
The result of these experiences culminates in secondary traumatic stress. The effects of secondary traumatic stress are similar to PTSD. Over time, you become hypervigilant and may have intrusive thoughts. Your body spends more time in fight, flight, or freeze mode, which can impact sleep. Some of the secondary effects may result in high blood pressure, GI disturbances, an increase in the use of drugs and alcohol, and depression.
Yes, caregiving is significantly challenging.
It is important that, as a caregiver, you create a support network. Make an appointment to see your primary care provider to discuss your caregiving situation. Seek out community services through organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging (Area Agencies on Aging), Caregivers Action Network (Caregivers Action Network), VA Caregivers Support (VA Caregivers Support), or call 211.
With over 63 million caregivers in the United States, you do not need to face this journey alone. Remember to seek help and to care for yourself.
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