All About Caregiver Support Groups

Often, the role of a caregiver can become extremely burdensome, and can increase the risk for health problems such as depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and fatigue.  If you are a caregiver, these health problems can lead to difficulty at work in the form of absenteeism, going from full-time to part-time, or suffering a general lower level of productivity. 

If you are suffering because of your caregiving role, it is important to keep one important thing in mind: You are not alone.  There are millions of caregivers in the United States going through the same thing you are.  As a result, there are many support groups out there to help you deal with stress, emotional difficulty, or any other problem that might arise from your caregiving duties.  There are two different types of support groups: online and personal.

Online groups are great if you do not have the time or ability to leave the house, and do not need the personal experience of exchanging your difficulties.  These online groups vary in the services they provide, but usually there is a message board and a place for discussion.  You can find such support groups at:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Caregivers/support-group
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=347
http://www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com/Pages/SupportGroup.html

Personal, community support groups are a fantastic resource too.  Going to a meeting and talking with other people who are experiencing similar issues, you will probably feel less isolated and be able to make friends and exchange helpful information.  Because you are meeting people in your own community, you will be able to discover specific programs and resources that are available to you.  Here is a good website to use to find local support groups:
http://www.caregiver.com/regionalresources/index.htm
Additionally, you can call local community centers, hospitals, or the Area Agency on Aging for recommendations. 

If you are feeling overwhemled with your caregiving duties, always remember that you are not alone.  With the health risks associated with caregiving, it is important to get help when you need it.  Support groups are a great, free way to get this help.