November is
National Family
Caregivers Month

​​“Caring for a child or older and disabled family members brings both pleasure and pressures.  Along with the satisfaction of giving back, caregivers often find the experience mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Employees may feel torn between their responsibilities to their workplace and to their loved one. They may feel guilty about not giving enough attention to either. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.” - Beacon Health

Caring for a loved one with medical or mental health issues can be challenging. We face struggles in coping with the intense pressures of caregiving, stigma and burnout. Caring for an elderly or disabled family member or friend is demanding and sometimes overwhelming. We may feel like we are not doing enough or doing too much and neglecting other family members. We may also feel angry or resentful that we are giving up our own favorite social activities. This can impact our own physical, emotional and mental well-being. Here are some tips on Caring for the Caregiver. 
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Please be aware that while these links below may direct you to sites in which you can connect with providers, it is always best to seek out providers through the Beacon network to ensure coverage by calling Beacon at 855-748-3121. 

Taking care of yourself as well as your family members
"When a friend or family member develops a mental health condition, it's important to know that you're not alone. Family members and caregivers often play a large role in helping and supporting the millions of people in the U.S. who experience mental health conditions each year. Many family members and caregivers experience the same thoughts and questions you might be having now. You may be trying to help a family member who doesn't have access to care or doesn't want help. Or you may want to learn how to support and encourage someone who has been hospitalized or experienced a similar mental health crisis. We realize that the challenges of mental illness do not only affect an individual's family members but also friends, teachers, neighbors, coworkers and others in the community."
Learn More at NAMI.org

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression in Caregivers

• "Avoiding pleasurable or meaningful activities because you feel guilty about taking time off from caretaking
• Repetitive nightmares or intrusive thoughts about the patient/loved one, including the diagnosis, treatments, or future prognosis
• Inability to sleep
• Feelings of exhaustion, severe tiredness
• Feelings of tension
• Inability to concentrate or remember details
• Anxiety attacks about not properly following the medical regimen
• Inability to talk to others about your experience as a caretaker
• Anticipatory anxiety about future treatments for the patient/loved one
• Inability to enjoy activities you once found pleasurable
• Thoughts of suicide because you feel so overwhelmed, worthless, or inadequate
• Chronic irritability

If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, please consult your doctor or contact a mental health provider"
Learn More at ADAA.org

Statistics and Legal battles that can benefit caregivers
"The challenges of being a family caregiver have generally been viewed as a private, personal matter. But in a noteworthy shift, a new report to Congress lays the groundwork for a much-needed national strategy to assist the over 48 million Americans who care for a parent, spouse or other loved one."
Learn More at AARP.org

The Rewards of Caregiving
"Caregiving can be rewarding. It may help to strengthen connections to a loved one. You may feel fulfillment from helping someone else. But caregiving may also be stressful and sometimes even overwhelming. You may be "on call" for 24 hours a day. You may also be working outside the home and taking care of children. So you need to make sure that you are not ignoring your own needs. You have to take care of your own physical and mental health as well. Because when you feel better, you can take better care of your loved one. It will also be easier to focus on the rewards of caregiving."
Learn More at MedlinePlus.org

Help and Support for Caregivers
"As a caregiver for a parent, spouse, or child with special needs, you may need help. These resources and suggestions can help you find emotional and task support." 
Learn More at USA.gov

More Articles & Resources

• Crisis Text Line
  • Free 24/7 support at your fingertips​
  • https://www.crisistextline.org/
  • TEXT: HOME to 741741 ​
• Beacon Wellbeing
  • How Much Care Does Your Elder Need?
  • Long-distance Caregiving for Elders
  • Parenting a Child With Special Needs: Your Support Network

Please always keep in mind that Local 28 MAP’s Counselors and Peers, as well as Beacon MAP, are always available to talk (Contact Info available on the MAP Homepage or by clicking HERE). 

Please check the portal for all forms
​related to the Funds Office.

UNION FUSION PORTAL