Family carers often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own mental health, according to a comprehensive analysis of studies involving over 81,000 individuals, published in the journal Psychology & Health. The study found that one in three carers sought advice on available support services, but less than one in six had actually pursued such help. Many expressed a need for assistance in coping with feelings of loss, uncertainty, and guilt.
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Lead author Hannah Isaac from the University of Sydney noted that carers frequently underestimate their psychological burdens, particularly when their loved ones are most ill. She emphasized that psychological support is "particularly valuable" during these critical times.
The research team analyzed 29 studies conducted over the past 20 years across Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily focusing on women caring for a husband or partner with a chronic illness. The most common condition among those studied was cancer, followed by heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and recovery from strokes.
Additionally, the analysis underscored the importance of maintaining social connections, adjusting personal interests and goals, and managing changes in intimate relationships. Approximately 40% of carers expressed an interest in state-provided services, such as national helplines or disease-specific information, but only 10% had utilized these resources.
The researchers urged that family carers be routinely assessed for psychological strain and their need for supportive care. They highlighted that depression and anxiety are more prevalent among family carers than in the general population. Without appropriate support, both the well-being of the carers and their ability to provide care may suffer.