At some point in time, an individual may come to take on an additional role such as caregiving for a family member who is ill. Positive aspects of caregiving may be experienced even though negative aspects are sometimes experienced too. Research shows that those who find more aspects of caregiving to be positive prior to the loss of a family member have higher rates of grief than depression. It is notable that spouses were more likely to experience grief after the loss of their partner. Individuals who had poorer health, more depressive symptoms, and experienced more positive aspects of caregiving prior to the loss a family member whom one was caregiving for were also more likely to have depressive symptoms postloss.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, there are many options available, including professional counseling. Please call us at (215) 487-1330 or email us at Greenridge@intercommunityaction.org for more information about our counseling services.
Author: Melissa Genn, MS, LBS
Reference
Boerner, K., Schulz, R., & Horowitz, A. (2004). Positive Aspects of Caregiving and Adaptation to Bereavement. Psychology and Aging, 19(4), 668-675. https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.19.4.668
