The Reef for Male Caregivers – Are You Stressed or Depressed & How to Tell the Difference
Hello and welcome. If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, you are not alone; it’s practically a fact of life in caregiving. Stress is good if it motivates you but it’s bad if it wears you down. Many factors can contribute to the stress you experience, and this stress can cause changes in your body that affect your overall physical, mental, and emotional health.
Depression is more serious and long-lasting than stress, and requires a different kind of help. The good news is that depression is a highly treatable condition. However, it’s not something you can snap out of by yourself, so it’s important to get help.
How do you tell the difference between stress and depression?
Both can affect you in similar ways, but there are key differences. Symptoms of depression can be much more intense. Depression causes powerful mood changes, such as painful sadness and despair. You may feel exhausted and unable to act.
Here are common signs of stress and depression:
| Common Signs of Stress | Common Signs of Depression |
| Trouble sleeping | Withdraw from other people |
| Feeling overwhelmed | Feeling sad and hopeless |
| Problems with memory | Lack of energy, enthusiasm & motivation |
| Problems concentrating | Trouble making decisions |
| Change in eating habits | Being restless, agitated and irritable |
| Feeling nervous or anxious | Eating more or less that usual |
| Feeling angry, irritable or easily frustrated | Sleeping more or less than usual |
| Feeling burnt out | Trouble concentrating |
| Feeling that you can’t overcome difficulties | Trouble with memory |
| Trouble functioning while at work | Feeling bad about yourself or feeling guilty |
| Anger or rage | |
| Feeling that you can’t overcome difficulties | |
| Trouble functioning while at work | |
| Thoughts of suicide |
Remember, stress, depression and other mental health conditions are nothing to be ashamed of. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Telling someone you are struggling is the first step toward feeling better.
To speak with us at the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, feel free to call us at (877) 760-9199. You can also reach us anytime by calling our 24 Hour Alzheimer’s Caregiver Helpline at (855) 476-7600. Thanks for joining us today and we’ll see you again next month!
