Mental Health and the Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation is a term coined by Dorothy Miller in the early 1980s to describe the demographic of individuals who are “sandwiched" between being a caregiver for both their children and their parents simultaneously. At the same time, these individuals often need to balance work responsibilities and personal commitments. This combination of caregiving, work, and personal commitments can be a heavy and massive undertaking for one person. From burnout to high stress and anxiety, being a part of the sandwich generation can be mentally taxing. Prioritizing mental health and self-care is not selfish. It is a crucial part of maintaining one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By caring for themselves, individuals in the sandwich generation are better suited to offer the best care possible to their loved ones – It is a win-win!
Self-Care Tips for the Sandwich Generation
- Schedule “Me Time”: Life can get busy, but it is important to pencil in some time for yourself to do things that fill your cup (after all, it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup). Do things that you truly enjoy. Read a book or pick up a new hobby. Take a walk in nature or treat yourself to a nice warm bath. Whatever you choose, make it non-negotiable.
- Prioritize Physical Health: Physical health is closely linked with mental and emotional health, so make it a priority. Get regular exercise, eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. Bonus points for staying up to date with your yearly physical checkups!
- Share The Load: You don’t need to take on everything alone. Leverage your family members and friends – Delegate tasks to them when necessary. Professional assistance is always an option, as well. If you’re reading this article, you’ve come to the right place. Right at Home is here to take the load off.
- Seek Support: Being a member of the sandwich generation can be tough, there is no denying it. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talk through your struggles with loved ones. Additionally, you can join a support group or speak to a mental health professional. Websites such as Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org) and AARP's Caregiving Resource Center (aarp.org/caregiving) offer forums, support groups, and other resources for caregivers. Emotional support and perspective from others who understand the challenges you’re experiencing can go a long way.
- Say “No”: Set boundaries! Say no when necessary. Time and energy are valuable resources and you only have so much of them. Remember, you simply cannot do everything – it’s impossible!
