Caring for a loved one with a chronic illness such as heart disease, cancer or stroke can take a heavy toll on caregivers, particularly when the responsibility rests largely on one person. From managing medication and attending medical appointments to meeting daily care needs, the demands can leave caregivers with little time for themselves, putting their physical and mental health, social lives and work at risk. As the world marks World Mental Health Day on October 10, experts are highlighting the mental health challenges faced by caregivers, warning that the emotional strain of caring for a loved one can leave them in need of support themselves. ALSO READ: The hidden toll of prolonged stress on physical and mental health Eric Nshimyumuremyi, a clinical psychologist at Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Center, Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, said that caregivers should be considered an important part of the team caring for a patient and given the support they need. He noted that for relatives caring for a parent, child, sibling or another loved one, the experience can be emotionally difficult as it is stressful to see a dear one suffering. “Caregivers need psychological support and clear communication with both the patient and medical team. Without this support, the demands of caregiving can affect different areas of their lives, including their relationship with the person they care for,” he stated. Caregiving affects their social life and work, as they may miss activities such as a friend’s birthday or struggle to keep up with their jobs. Over time, this can take a toll on their mental wellbeing, the expert added. Nshimyumuremyi said caregivers may suffer sleep or appetite loss and develop depression after prolonged periods of stress. “They may experience worry and anger when they see their loved one suffering but feel unable to change the situation. When you see your relative suffering and you have nothing to change, you feel like you are failing. People generally do not feel happy or proud when they believe they have failed, and this can contribute to anger.” For this reason, he said, caregivers need to pay attention to changes in their sleep, appetite and emotions rather than dismissing them as part of caring for a sick relative. The clinical psychologist added that caregivers need emotional support and guidance on how to cope with the demands of caring for a patient. Providing support He urges caregivers to make time for rest, stay active through exercise and maintain contact with other people as part of looking after their own wellbeing. Nshimyumuremyi said lack of sleep due to caregiving responsibilities can increase stress and, over time, contribute to health problems such as hypertension. Where more than one relative is available to provide care, the mental health expert recommends sharing the responsibility so that caregivers can take turns and have time to rest. Jane Abatoni Gatete, executive director of the Centre for Peace, Resilience and Wellbeing (CPRW), said caregivers of relatives with chronic diseases need emotional, physical, social and financial support to cope with the demands of caring for their loved ones. She said professional emotional and psychological support can help them manage grief, anxiety, stress and burnout. For example, support groups can also allow them to share experiences and learn from others in similar situations, while encouragement and recognition from family members can help ease the burden. “Caregivers need information about the specific disease affecting their relatives to understand how to care for them at different stages of the illness. Practical training can equip them with the skills needed to carry out their duties.” Gatete noted that support from family members, friends and community volunteers can give caregivers time to attend to their personal needs and take part in social activities. She added that financial assistance is also necessary to help cover caregiving expenses, including transport, medical bills and health insurance. “Caregivers should have access to healthcare services, regular communication with health professionals and referrals when necessary. They also need time and opportunities to look after their own health through healthy eating and relaxation.” Stress management strategies and mindfulness practices can further help them manage stress and maintain their well-being, Gatete added.
