Q&A on Caregiver Mental Health with Dr. Patrick McGrath

Most of us, at some point in our lives, will be a caregiver to someone close to us. A caregiver provides physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. Who do you care for?

A parent or grandparent

A spouse or partner

A child or grandchild

Another relative (e.g., sibling, aunt, uncle)

A friend or neighbour

Are you new to caregiving?

Yes, I have just started caregiving within the last 6 months.

Somewhat new, I've been caregiving for 6 to 12 months.

Experienced, I have been a caregiver for 1-2 years.

Very experienced, I have been caregiving for over 2 years.

Caregiving can be exhausting and leave you feeling burnt out. How have you been feeling recently?

I feel pretty good as I am getting organized.

I am good. I feel like I am managing well and finding time to stay on top of things.

It’s okay. Some days are better than others, but I am figuring it out.

It’s been tough. I feel like I am not doing well looking after myself at times.

I am not doing well and having a hard time.

There is a lot of information about caregiving that can help you—from tips and strategies to ways to take care of yourself. How do you prefer to learn what’s out there?

I am very new to caregiving so I just need to know where to start.

I like to read as much as I can on my own.

I just feel like talking to someone who I can relate to.

I am good. I am managing pretty well right now and want to keep that going.

I’d rather watch videos and sign up for webinars.

From the answers below, how anxious are you feeling right now?

I am anxious because it feels like I became a caregiver overnight.

I am not feeling very anxious at this time, but I like to keep on top of things.

Sometimes I feel guilty because I am really struggling with the emotions of it all.

I feel like I have no time to myself.

I have never felt more stressed and could use some help.

What kinds of information do you think would help you?

Just a good overview of caregiving to get me started.

I like research, including learning more about the condition of the person I care for.

I think hearing from some experts would help me.

I would like to learn how to take better care of myself.

Talking to other people or being part of a group would help.

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Q&A on Caregiver Mental Health with Dr. Patrick McGrath

Q&A on Caregiver Mental Health with Dr. Patrick McGrath

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