When Catherine Zeta Jones elegantly glided onto the Tony Awards stage this past Sunday in a stunning, sequined red gown, she symbolized the comeback that all caregivers who suffer from depression hope to have – that you can face those dark clouds knowing you will step into the light again.

Depression Common Among Caregivers in Decline

In a study conducted by Evercare and the National Alliance for Caregiving on the health risks that family caregivers face, 91 percent of caregivers who felt their health was declining reported suffering from depression.

It is not easy to watch a loved one – whether it be an older parent or in Catherine’s case, her beloved husband Michael Douglas – suffer from their own health issues.  And, while certain cases of depression can be managed with medication or treatment, we know that caregivers often neglect their own health and wellness needs while focusing their care on their loved one.

That is why Catherine’s “coming out” about her bi-polar disorder diagnosis is not only brave but a breakthrough.  Many caregivers suffer their depression in silence either too guilty to admit that they are struggling when they feel it is their loved one who deserves the attention or too concerned about what others may think if they admit to their “chronic blues.”

Catherine was a rock through her husband’s cancer diagnosis and treatment but realized once he was given the “all clear” that she was not as elated by the good news as she felt she should be.  By facing her struggle head on and checking into a mental health facility for a few days of treatment – Catherine became the best example of how to balance self-care and caregiving.

Beat the Blues or They Will Beat You

Many people who suffer from depression do not seek treatment for the fear of being branded “mentally ill.”   Ignoring symptoms of depression can be devastating to you physically, financially and emotionally.

WebMD cautions that untreated depression can result in increased risky behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse that can ruin relationships, get you fired from your job or cause you to be in an accident where you or someone else can be seriously injured or even killed.  Depression also impacts your sleep and your nutrition – the long-term effects of which can lead to chronic illness and other health risks.

When you are truly clinically depressed, you cannot just “snap out of it.”  So how do you know if you are clinically depressed?  What is the difference between feeling blue or sad and losing interest in things that once brought you joy?

Several sites have tests you can take to assess whether or not you should seek professional help.  WebMD offers excellent information on how to talk to your family about depression, how to manage your depression and how to stay on track with your treatment and the American Psychological Association has in-depth information on the different types of depression such as the bi-polar II disorder that was Catherine’s diagnosis.

Catherine The Great – She Shows That Caregiving Includes Caring for Yourself

Catherine Zeta Jones’ bravery by disclosing her bi-polar II disorder is a great example of how depression can be treatable and beatable.  I applaud her as “caregiver of the year” for not only taking tremendous care of her husband through his illness, keeping the family together for her two small children, but mostly for realizing that she is as important as the people she cares about – bravo Catherine!