MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Caring for an aging parent, a child with special needs or a loved one with a chronic illness can take a significant toll on a person's mental health, according to a Horizons Mental Health therapist who says caregivers often neglect their own well-being while focusing on others.
Addison Gardner, an outpatient therapist with Horizons Mental Health Center, said caregivers face higher rates of anxiety, depression and burnout due to the constant demands associated with caring for another person.
"Caregivers are anyone who provides routine assistance for individuals who have health issues, disabilities or aging-related needs," Gardner said.
Those responsibilities can include managing medical appointments, medications, insurance issues and daily care, often while balancing work and family obligations.
Gardner said caregiving frequently changes family relationships, particularly when an adult child becomes responsible for a parent.
"You initially are that person's child," Gardner said. "But then you have to step into this role of being their primary caretaker, and that shifts that role."
The emotional burden is often compounded by the fact that caregivers rarely get a true break from their responsibilities. Even when they are away from the person they care for, Gardner said many continue to worry and plan for future needs.
"It's that running tab in the back of your mind," she said.
According to Gardner, the specific caregiving situation is often less important than the constant mental load involved. Caregivers must continually think ahead, coordinate schedules and prepare for unexpected challenges.
That ongoing stress can manifest itself in several ways. Gardner said family members and friends should watch for signs such as declining personal hygiene, increased irritability, withdrawal from hobbies and social activities, or excessive and uncontrollable worry.
Those symptoms may indicate caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue.
One of the most important tools for preventing burnout, Gardner said, is building a strong support network.
"A lot of times when we think of caregiving, we focus on the care receiver," she said. "We forget that the caregiver absolutely has to have some supports."
She encouraged caregivers to maintain relationships and activities outside their caregiving role to preserve their own sense of identity.
Gardner also emphasized the importance of taking regular breaks, even if only for a few minutes at a time.
"I can't stress it enough, how important it is to be able to step away, even for five or 10 minutes, just to recenter themselves and be who they are as an individual," she said.
Horizons Mental Health offers resources for caregivers, including a weekly support group that meets Wednesdays at 1 p.m. The open group allows participants to attend as needed. Individuals interested in joining must first complete an initial evaluation with Horizons and request a referral to the caregiver support group.
For caregivers struggling with stress, Gardner recommends taking a proactive approach to self-care rather than waiting until burnout sets in.
She compares caregiving to airline safety instructions that tell passengers to put on their own oxygen mask before helping others.
"You cannot provide aid to somebody if you are not okay," Gardner said. "You have to make sure that you're pouring into yourself first."
Gardner encourages caregivers to schedule regular personal time, whether it's a brief outing, time with friends or a few hours dedicated to a favorite activity.
"It doesn't have to be a full weekend," she said. "It can be just a few hours where you are able to decompress and regroup."
As Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of emotional well-being, Gardner said caregivers should remember that taking care of themselves is not selfish — it's essential to continuing to care for others effectively.
You can reach Horizons Mental Health Center via phone at (620) 663-7595 or visit their website at Horizons Mental Health Center.