Effects of chronic disease on family stress level
Stress affects the family and caregivers of a person with a long-term (chronic) disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. Caring for someone with a chronic disease can be time-consuming and emotionally, physically, and psychologically draining. This stress builds up and can result in poor health for the caregiver. Caregivers may feel moderate to excessive levels of stress, as well as anger, guilt, frustration, isolation, unhappiness in marriage, and dissatisfaction with life.1 Caregiver stress is powerful enough that it can be a risk factor for death in older caregivers who live with the person they are helping.2
A strong social support network is important in relieving the stress of caregivers. Social support is the positive support you receive from family, friends, and the community. It is the knowledge that you are cared for, loved, esteemed, and valued.
Research indicates that those with heart disease and social support have less risk of death. One study found that social networks may be more important in supporting recovery from cancer, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure than in preventing disease.3
One study found that families had lower stress levels and higher levels of well-being if they:1
- Look at how they coped with the situation and reflect on their performance (familial introspection).
- Find a positive meaning in the experience, such as a greater appreciation of life, finding balance in their lives, and increased sensitivity to others.
- View the social support they receive in a positive manner.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Douglas Dana | Last Updated: July 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul J. Rosch, MD Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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