How do I protect my own health while caring for someone with cancer?

Protecting your health starts with keeping up your own checkups, screenings, and appointments. It is easy to let these slide while your attention is on someone else. But staying well is part of how you keep showing up as a caregiver.

Watch your mood, too. Some stress and sadness is normal. If feelings of depression or anxiety last more than two weeks, talk to your doctor. Caregivers often have fatigue, a weaker immune system, sleep problems, slower healing, higher blood pressure, changes in appetite or weight, headaches, and mood changes. These are known effects of caregiver stress, not personal failings.

Keep taking your own medicine as prescribed, and make it simpler where you can. Ask your doctor for a larger prescription to save trips, and find out whether your pharmacy delivers. Try to eat regular meals. Get rest when you can, since short naps count. Aim for 15 to 30 minutes of activity a day, such as walking, gardening, or biking.

None of this has to be perfect. Small, steady steps toward your own health make it more possible to keep caring for your loved one over time.