I have been taking care of my husband for the past five years. He has dementia, and it has slowly been getting worse, so the amount that I have to do for him becomes more and more every day. He almost does not eat on his own anymore. I am tired, and I think I might be depressed, as I feel like I can’t face each day with all of the new duties I have, which now includes adult diapers. Is this common, and how do people deal with this? Is there treatment? What should I do?
We hear the frustration in your line of questioning. You are obviously in the most difficult times that people live through, taking care of a sick family member. What you are feeling is very common, and most caregivers will feel this at some point, especially after five years of increasing care. If your symptoms of depression worsen, such as feelings of suicide, or just worsening depressive symptoms,  you will have to see a mental health professional. If this is just what is loosely called “caregiver burnout,” then some easy steps can help. Make sure you take care of yourself. You should try and exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and do something once a day, just for your own pleasure.
Watch this helpful video from VideoMD for more specifics.
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