The study, which involved 148 colorectal cancer patients in the Netherlands, found low income, a strained relationship, and isolation could lead to risk of depression for the caregiver. However, the research also suggested some people gain greater self-esteem from the responsibilities of caregiving, said Mattanja Triemstra, PhD, of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam. "Those caregivers with a relatively low education seemed to have a stronger sense of competence from performing care for a loved one," explained Dr. Triemstra, a co-author of a study published in a recent issue of the journal Cancer (Vol. 86, No. 4).
 
"Perhaps they have more time for providing care, so they simply experience more of the positive and negative aspects," she added. "They may also choose to focus on the positive aspects as a coping mechanism. The more highly educated caregivers may be more preoccupied with their jobs."

Several factors affect feelings

The researchers found several factors affected the caregiver?s mental health and overall feelings about the experience, including the patient?s level of dependency, the caregiver?s feelings of competency, whether the caregiver tended to be involved in care tasks, and the quality of the patient-caregiver relationship.

The study found some caregivers were plagued by isolation, which often means there are few friends or family members to provide back-up support. "Health care providers should be looking for these problems and mobilize extra sources of professional home care," said Dr. Triemstra. "Doctors and nurses should stress the positive aspects of providing care and the importance of having adequate social support."
 
Advice for caregivers
Venting frustrations can help caregivers deal with the situation better, said Hugh Stallworth, MD, MPH, national vice president, cancer risks for the American Cancer Society (ACS). "Find another relative, a religious person, a neighbor, someone you can trust and share your feelings with."

Caregivers also should remember to take care of themselves by eating well and getting exercise, said Dr. Stallworth. They also should take some time away from their responsibilities, he added. "Let another family member or a neighbor come in for a few hours so you can get some exercise, shop, or go to a movie. And do it without feeling guilty. You will be stronger, better prepared to deal with your emotions afterward."