Offering practical help with daily activities such as bathing, eating and medication, along with emotional support and companionship are amongst the roles played by a caregiver. This support is often required by individuals with chronic illnesses, persons living with disabilities and suffering severe mental illness as well as old age.

Caregivers who can be either family members (wife, husband, sister, mother, etc), close friends or paid professionals tend to absorb a lot in attempts to lighten the burden of the individuals they are caring for. In doing so, they tend to put their own mental and physical wellbeing at risk.
With the multitude of demands on caregivers, they are often susceptible to feelings of anxiety, frustration, burnout and depression amongst other things. Caregiving responsibilities, which at times may lead to caregivers giving up their careers and social life, tend to limit social interactions which magnifies feelings of loneliness and isolation.

There are numerous warning signs that a caregiver is beginning to suffer a negative impact from their role. A few include insomnia, headaches and other physical complaints, feelings of despondency and loss of interest in activities among other things.
In the event of a lack of support, the burden of caregiving can be exhausting and at times overwhelming and manifest itself as either physical or mental health illness.

There are numerous strategies that can be implemented to support caregivers’ mental health. These include practising self care, respite care and therapy.
Regular exercise, healthy eating and sufficient sleep, along with mindfulness and stress management techniques such as meditation can assist in reducing stress.
Joining a support group and access to a mental health professional can provide a sense of community and connection by aiding in the enhancement of coping skills and knowledge.

Also, providing temporary breaks from caregiving can help reduce stress and burnout. Finding a fellow family member or friend to help from time to time can help in reducing the burden and in turn fatigue suffered by the primary caregiver.