46 | OCTOBER 12 • 2023 J
N
continued from page 44
“it’s an adult child who takes
on a lot of responsibility for
their parents’ well-being or a
spouse caring for their spouse
in extra ways that maybe they
didn’t do during previous
years of their marriage.”
Caregiving can look differ-
ent from situation to situation,
but often includes helping
with daily activities such as
eating, bathing, giving med-
ication, assembling medical
information and going to
medical appointments.
Some women, like Gordon
herself, are also long-distance
caregivers assisting family
members in different states
with things like research,
planning and age-related
changes.
JOB VS. DUTY
Oftentimes, it can simply feel
like something one must do
— a duty to their family. Yet
Gordon calls caregiving what
it is, and that’s a full-time job
often worked on top of anoth-
er full-time job.
This leads to burnout, a
problem Gordon says is prev-
alent amongst caregivers.
“Caregivers are way more
likely to be suffering from
health conditions, lower
immunity and chronic issues,”
she explains of the side effects
of caregiving.
In fact, female caregivers
caring for an ill or disabled
spouse in particular are
almost six times more likely
to experience symptoms of
depression or anxiety when
compared to non-caregivers.
So, what can women in this
role do to safeguard their
physical and mental health?
The first step: Follow
Mann’s lead and take time for
yourself, even if it’s five min-
utes a day.
“There’s a lot of guilt associ-
ated with taking the time out
to do something for yourself,
even if it’s something practical
like going to the doctor or an
exercise class,” Gordon says.
However, not taking care of
yourself can lead to a vicious
cycle.
“There will inevitably come
a point where you can no lon-
ger take care of your person,”
she explains of neglecting
your own needs. “Taking care
of yourself is an extension of
the things you can do to help
the person you’re helping.”
PREVENTING BURNOUT
Every client she works with,
Gordon says, has some level
of burnout — with some
more than others. Self-care is
strongly encouraged, whether
that means cooking a nutri-
tious meal, doing 15 minutes
of yoga or simply sitting still
in a dark room doing breath-
ing exercises.
Adult coloring books are
another great option for
women caregivers, as Gordon
says these books give a chance
to “think about nothing”
while still doing a creative
project.
The key, she explains, is to
start small and work your way
up, especially if burnout itself
is a barrier to wanting to par-
take in any activities outside
of the caregiving role itself.
“It really depends on peo-
ple’s interests and what allows
them to decompress,” Gordon
says. “Once you gauge the
schedule, the routine and how
you can add something [you
love to do]in, it seems like less
of a mountain to overcome.”
For more information
about the Caregiver Support
Program, contact Gordon at
(248) 970-2779 or egordon@
jfsdetroit.org.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Andrea Verier
MA, MS, LMHC, LPC
941-315-8797 cell
AVerierLMHC@gmail.com
Convienient | Confidential | Televideo Therapy
Florida & Michigan FI MH #4082 | MI #6401223027
Personalized Psychotherapy
YOU DON'T HAVE TO
FACE A CRISIS ALONE.
GET THE RIGHT HELP FAST
www.feinbergcare.com
248.538.5425
There is a small window of opportunity to get the right
help for someone in crisis. We know what to do and
have the team in place to act quickly.
No matter how complex the situation is,
since 1996, our team of Professional
Interventionists, Behavioral Health, Case
and Clinical Managers, Physicians, Nurse
Case Managers, Family Coaches, Recovery,
Life and Health Coaches, and Vocational
Consultants has been helping families heal.
Pam Feinberg-Rivkin, RN
CHAIR PERSON OF THE BOARD
Steve Feldman
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH
INTERVENTION & RECOVERY
COMPLEX MEDICAL &
INJURY CASE MANAGEMENT
SENIOR SERVICES
5829 Maple Rd. Ste. 129
West Bloomf
eld, MI 48322
248.757.2503
www.maplepharmacyrx.com
FREE
DELIVERY
MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY!
MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY!
OUR MISSION IS TO BRING SERVICE BACK TO
PHARMACY FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU!!
10%
SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
Not Valid on Prescriptions
Maple Pharmacy offers:
• Low Price Medications
• 90 Day Supplies
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Diabetic Supplies
• Natural Supplements, Vitamins
and Nutraceuticals
• Compounding bio-identical hormones,
pain creams & other medications
• Blister Packaging Available
MAPLE
MAPLE PHARMACY
PHARMACY
IMMUNIZATIONS
AND SHINGLES
SHOTS AVAILABLE
www.maplepharmacyrx.com
Now offering
the COVID
Vaccine!
We want to help you get back to
doing the things you love.
A trusted name in the community for over 25 years.
Maple Park Offi
ce Complex
6020 West Maple Suite 500,
West Bloomfi
eld MI 48322
248 851-6999
www.dcptonline.com