Slowly society is giving importance to mental health issues faced by people. The recognition is a positive step to understand and tackle the problem more effectively and humanely without worrying about its stigma.
At the same time, it is also crucial that we care about the caregivers and their mental, physical and psychological exhaustion. The fatigue, irritation, and depression the caregivers face need immediate and thoughtful attention. The work also needs long due recognition and acknowledgement.
Mental health is a heavily stigmatized issue that all societies face at differing intensities. As a result, our everyday vocabulary manifests how we perceive mental health issues in our community. Similarly, the condition of caregivers of people with mental health issues is also either ignored or stigmatized, which makes it difficult for caregivers to discuss openly the problems they face.
Caregiving has been chiefly seen as a women’s job. This has also been ignored, like all other work that women do (while dealing with the constant patronization, infantilization, discrimination, and lack of agency). Study shows that in the age group of 25-54, women account for more than half of those working as caregivers.
Dignity Of Labour
Unfortunately, the issue has a deeper structural problem that needs to be addressed. Our society is a caste-driven patriarchal society. It has set hierarchies and boundaries that have assigned clear roles to individuals depending on their gender and caste.
Lack of dignity of labour is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. We need to give all workers their due respect. Mainly, caregiving is a more intimate job and could be emotionally draining at times.
According to America’s Anxiety And Depression Association, 40%-70% of caregivers show symptoms of depression, and approximately a quarter to half meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression.
It’s not just American children that are in crisis because of politics and pandemic#mentalhealth #children #science https://t.co/rEv8Y21Dqo
— Dr. Sam Goldstein (@DrSamGoldstein) January 5, 2022
According to 2015 data from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (PDF, 1.57MB), more than 43 million adults function as caregivers in the US. More than half of the recipients provided care for up to 8 hours a week. And one fourth of the caregivers reported that they had been diagnosed with depressive disorder at some point.
A study published in the Indian Journal Of Psychological Medicine shows that most persons with Severe Mental Disorder (PWSMD) issues live with their families in India. Therefore, the family members are the primary caregivers in most cases.
It is valid for various reasons, like the close family ties and traditional family system and because third-world countries lack proper rehabilitation systems. However, while it is proven that community-based intervention is much better than institutionalized care, it shifts the responsibility of caregiving from the institution to the caregiver.
Caregiving is a significant responsibility both emotionally and financially. For example, 45% of caregivers reported that the recipient lived with them and economically depended on them.
We need a severe policy level intervention to address the needs of caregivers. It is crucial to talk to those involved in providing care to understand their needs better. A healthy conversation and platform for those providing care, where they can seek support both financially and emotionally should be in place, before everything else, a solemn acknowledgement of the work they are doing.
Note: The author is part of the Dec ’21 batch of the Writer’s Training Program.