A tip from a friend, Expecting Executive, led me to The Huffington Post article which refers to a report showing care workers have the highest rate of depression (of all occupations studied). I'm not all that surprised. One reason is poor pay for very hard work. Another is lack of respect in our society for those who do "service" oriented work, particularly those who do the hands on work such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) - the very people you want to be "the best" when it comes to daily care of your loved one.
The Huffington Post begins "Report Ranks Jobs by Rates of Depression" with:
"WASHINGTON — People who tend to the elderly, change diapers and serve up food and drinks have the highest rates of depression among U.S. workers. Overall, 7 percent of full-time workers battled depression in the past year, according to a government report available Saturday. Women were more likely than men to have had a major bout of depression, and younger workers had higher rates of depression than their older colleagues. Almost 11 percent of personal care workers _ which includes child care and helping the elderly and severely disabled with their daily needs _ reported depression lasting two weeks or longer."
To care for another individual is both rewarding and stressful at the same time. I have been a nurse since 1977 and the hardest job I ever had was taking care of my own mother. I think the emotional component was the hardest. Knowing how ill she was and pushing those feelings aside to present a cheerful, peaceful atmosphere was ever so hard. I am grateful I was able to leave my job and care for my mother. I thank the good Lord I was able to do so. I would do it all over again.
Posted by: dianej | Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 02:53 PM