Baby Boomers Squeezed Between Parents & Children

    SAN DIEGO, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Ridden with feelings of depression,
 anxiety, guilt and exhaustion, nearly 45 million middle-aged Americans,
 referred to as the "sandwich generation," are faced with the stress of
 simultaneously tending to the needs of their aging parents and the demands
 of their families, sacrificing their own personal needs in the process.
     Caring for a loved one and balancing work and family responsibilities
 can have an adverse effect physically, emotionally and mentally. The
 California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists offers tips on how
 to manage your mental health as a caregiver:
     *  Learn about your loved one's condition.  This will help you plan ahead
        and know what to expect as time progresses.
 
     *  Be practical and set limits.  Be aware that there is only so much you
        can do.
 
     *  Take advantage of adult day care programs, out-of-home respite services
        or support groups.  It is important to reassure your aging loved one
        that your goal is to help them safely maintain their independence.
 
     *  Take care of yourself.  Make sure you are eating healthy foods, getting
        exercise and sleeping regularly.
 
     *  Talk with your loved ones about this new role and how it will require
        patience, acceptance and important decision-making.
 
     *  Do not put your life on hold or neglect your marriage.
 
     *  Set aside family time to have dinner together, play games or plan a
        weekend getaway.
     If you have adopted these tips and still feel overwhelmed, you should
 consider seeking professional care. Therapy can help ease common sources of
 stress, including family problems, heavy workloads or having to provide
 extensive care for a loved one or aging parent. To learn more about
 Marriage and Family Therapists and to locate one in your area, visit
 California's online mental health resource, www.therapistfinder.com.
     About CAMFT
     The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27
 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization,
 representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.
 CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to the public looking for
 Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For more information
 about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org or
 www.therapistfinder.com
 
 

SOURCE California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists