These days, growing numbers of people are beginning to understand and respond to the needs of people with mental illness or disability, and are taking steps towards a more inclusive community.
Yet while some inclusion policies explicitly provide for people with disability or mental illness, caregivers are not necessarily accommodated.
This is a significant oversight considering that caregivers are at a much higher risk of mental illness themselves. People in a caregiving role experience mental disorders between one and a half and two times the rate of the general population. Depression and anxiety are common ailments.
Many caregivers operate with a baseline level of stress not understood by most in the broader community. This can be exacerbated by a variety of factors.
Practical factors include time pressures because of the need to prepare, monitor and respond to the needs of another person throughout the day. Physical demands may include lifting, disrupted sleep or constant movement if caring for a very active person. Emotional strains could include chronic sorrow, ongoing medical issues, or a lack of support.
Stress is also aggravated by the emotional demands of 'keeping it together' in a society that prefers not to see vulnerability, and does not always seek to understand those who may be struggling in some way. In our culture, people tend to neither ask for nor offer assistance, particularly where disability or mental illness may be involved. These factors combine into an additional social loss for those involved.
Finances already take a hit, with treatment, equipment and special arrangements all significantly impacting the hip pocket. Opportunities are lost as outings, entertainment, education and other purposeful activities are forfeited, because life with significant caring responsibilities can be complicated.
Such challenges underpin carers' increased risk of mental illness. Many caregivers are single parents: relationship breakdown for parents of children with special needs is reported to be around 80 per cent.
But there are moderators for the typical negative effects of caregiving: finances; social support; coping strategies; and a sense of mastery or self-esteem.
In my own experience, participating in the labour force frequently offers a welcome contrast to the under-appreciated tasks of parenting and caregiving. Despite some challenges posed by opting to work, I value recognition, I enjoy collaboration, and I appreciate making a contribution.
Family is an integral part of my life, but not my sole identity, so my broader work life is a source of personal fulfilment. It also provides social engagement as opposed to