CaregivingLiving with chronic illnessStress relief

Essential support for caregivers

Caregiving may be the hardest job you ever have. Here’s how to develop the strength and endurance you need to care for others.


LearnCaregiver burnoutEssential support for caregivers
Watch for signs of depression
Call a caregiver family meeting
Reach out for caregiver support
Take time away, even just a little
Prioritize healthy eating and exercise
Relieve your own stress
Clear your head with meditation

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Caring for a loved one with a health condition can be a steep challenge. The work is often physically and emotionally taxing, and it may come with strained finances and family relationships. It’s no surprise that even the most dedicated caregivers are often prone to stress and burnout.

Recognizing the demands of caregiving is the first step to helping caregivers perform this essential work with the support they need. Read on for strategies to get help when you need it and to avoid burnout if you are a caregiver.

Sources: American Heart Association. Top 10 Careg... + 6
  1. American Heart Association. Top 10 Caregiver Tips for Maintaining Health and Well-Being. Last Reviewed: October 25, 2021.
  2. DeAngelis, Tori. Stress and caregiving. Monitor on Psychology. American Psychological Association. Vol. 51, No. 8. November 1, 2020.
  3. Family Caregiver Alliance. Caregiver Depression: A Silent Health Crisis. Accessed January 18, 2024.
  4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Meditation: In Depth. Last Updated: April 2016.
  5. National Institute on Aging. What Is Respite Care? Content reviewed: October 12, 2023.
  6. Makuvire, TT, Latif, Z, Warraich, H. Abstract 16375: Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Timing of Diagnosis Among Caregivers in the United States. Circulation. 2023;148:A16375.
  7. Xu XY, Kwan RYC, Leung AYM. Factors associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers of people with dementia: a systematic review. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(1):300060519845472.
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.January, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.January, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
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