Ultra Orthodox Jews Suffer Depression from Caregiving
Ultra Orthodox Jews Suffer Depression from Caregiving
A new study conducted by Band-Winterstein, Edelstein, et. al and recently published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, demonstrates that even Ultra Orthodox Jews are prone to the depressive symptoms often found in caregivers. In this study, 68 female Ultra Orthodox Jewish caregivers (UOJ) and 44 male UOJ caregivers were interviewed in-vivo using reliable and standard measures of assessment. The researchers found that three factors were identified as having a measurable prediction on caregiver depression: identified as spouse of the person being cared for, having poor social support and higher external control (e.g. luck, fate, chance). Although these studies are critically important in raising awareness for better mental health work, social support networks, etc. – it seems fairly safe to say that no group of people are immune to the tiring and emotionally draining aspects of caregiving. What can you do as a caregiver to prevent depression from taking hold? Consider finding a local support group, seek counseling services, take more control over your life and attribute your successes to your hard work and diligence rather than luck.
