Nurturing mental health: A caregiver's guide on World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day shines a light on an often-overlooked group: caregivers. The theme for 2024, "Mental Health in the Workplace," resonates deeply with Wellthy’s mission of supporting family caregivers with the critical care infrastructure they need—recognizing that for many, caregiving is a full-time job that extends far beyond traditional workplace boundaries.

Caregiving can often be one of the most emotionally and physically demanding roles we take on throughout our lives. And that especially includes demands on a caregiver’s mental health—in fact, 70 percent of all family caregivers report clinically significant levels of depression or anxiety.

As this recent CNN article on care’s impact in the workforce stated, ‘caregivers need caregivers too.’ This World Mental Health Day, it’s important for family caregivers to remember that managing your own well-being is so critical—when caregivers have the support they need to stay healthy mentally and emotionally, they are able to take better care of their loved ones, they are able to stay present and engaged at work, and they are more able to balance the demands of caregiving on top of life’s many responsibilities.

Wellthy Care Adviser Ana Fonseca recently presented on a panel, “Thriving in the Middle: Practical Tips for Sandwich Generation Caregivers.” In that panel, Ana covered several strategies for how that caregivers can better prioritize their mental health and wellbeing:

• Communicate Openly: Don't bottle up your feelings. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Sharing your experiences can provide emotional relief and often leads to unexpected support.
• Delegate Responsibilities: Create a list of daily tasks and don't hesitate to ask for help. Remember, accepting assistance isn't a sign of weakness – it's a smart way to manage your energy and time.
• Prioritize Sleep: A well-rested mind is better equipped to handle stress and make decisions. Be mindful of your caffeine intake and screen time before bed to improve your sleep quality.
• Find Humor in Daily Life: Even in challenging times, look for moments of levity. Laughter can be a powerful stress reliever and mood lifter.
• Practice Self-Care and Create Boundaries: Take regular breaks, enjoy the outdoors when possible, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Your personal passions and hobbies are not luxuries – they're necessities for maintaining balance.

In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health condition. In the UK, an estimated 15% of workers have an existing mental health condition. Prioritizing mental health is not just personal—it's a collective responsibility.

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage you to take a moment for yourself. Reflect on your own well-being and consider how you can incorporate some routine and strategies into your daily routine. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for providing the best care to your loved ones.

Let's work together to create a culture where mental health is prioritized, discussions are normalized, and support is readily available. The mental health of family caregivers and employee caregivers matters—today and every day.