So, we have all read how horrible caregiving can be. It can shorten your lifespan and studies show that caregivers are not as healthy as others who are the same age. But, maybe it is not as bleak as we have thought. A series of unexpected research study results were recently summarized by the New York Times blogger, Paula Span, showing that in certain respects, caregivers are in better health – at least for the population studied.

I know. Depression is “biological.” But, it seems odd to me that caregivers are more likely to be depressed than the general population. Why? Is caregiving biological? No. I think some depression is for a good reason or is certainly triggered by a real life event.

I was talking to a friend last night, who was feeling desperate lately about the way her mother makes her feel. Her mother is having some medical issues and is in a nursing home. Stephanie’s mother expects her to stop in everyday to visit. That is on top of four children, two businesses to run and the fact that there are other siblings that stop in as well.