Stressful Snap Dragon: Caregivers Under Stress Due to Life Circumstances

Story: Mrs. Snap Dragon's husband, Sam, has become depressed after his second heart attack. The couple has always had a close relationship. She does not find Sam’s care or need for emotional support very stressful. She is good at handling tough situations and gathering information. She also usually knows when to ask for help. However, her job has recently become more stressful since her supervisor took another position and was replaced by someone with little experience. This worries Mrs. Snap Dragon a lot. Co-workers look to her for help with meeting deadlines. In addition, a good friend was injured and is now on a leave of absence. Mrs. Snap Dragon is often too busy to take a lunch break. She feels too tired to fix dinner by the time she gets home, and is not sleeping well.

Description: Caregivers like Mrs. Snap Dragon generally have good relationships with the people they are caring for. They understand the overall situation and the kinds of care their loved ones need. Their stress and overall anxiety stem from things outside the caregiving role. They may be having problems at work. Or, they may have a conflict with a friend, neighbor or relative. Caregivers in this situation can benefit from understanding the effects stress can have on their health and well-being. They may be helped by learning and practicing new techniques for managing stress.