NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2006
Fewer Middle-Aged Women Happy, Study Says
More Depression Found Among Those For Caring For Elderly Relatives
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Play CBS Video Video Poll: Women Unhappy In Prime A new survey says the prime of a woman's life is not a happy time for many. Rene Syler speaks with psychologist Robin Goodman about the findings and how women can get some of that happiness back.
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Robin Goodman said that many middle-aged women are dealing with depression. (CBS/EARLY SHOW)
Significantly more depression was reported among women responsible for the care of an elderly relative. Those women may experience sleeplessness, eating problems, lack of energy, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion and a lack of concentration. They may also have less desire to spend time with other people. The survey suggests that women bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities and that is taking a toll.
"What happens is a lot of these people are showing that they have signs of anxiety, depression, and they're showing signs of stress," psychologist Robin Goodman told The Early Show co-anchor Rene Syler. "And that stress is showing up in terms of physical symptoms, because not only is the stress creating problems, they're not taking care of themselves.
"They're not going to the doctor. So their health is compromised. They're also unhappy, irritable, angry; they're not finding joy in life. They're isolated from other people because of these responsibilities. And then it's a vicious cycle of feeling even worse about yourself."
The survey, done by National Association Of Social Workers And The New York Academy Of Medicine, indicates that nearly 80 percent of middle aged women — or women in the sandwich generation — are taking care of an aging relative as well as their own children. It can sometimes become too much to handle.
"The first thing is you have to acknowledge it and recognize it and admit to yourself that you can't do it all and it's not a sign of weakness," Goodman said. "It's a sign of recognizing there's a problem and you could do this better. That what's important is my relationship with the person, but these details of the care of the person, maybe I can source those out or ask for help or get other people involved because it's my job to care, but not to do all of the care."
Goodman offered some important tips for women feeling overworked.
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- Said news indeed for all. If 81% of these women are unhappy, you can bet thier spouses are as well.....
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