The stress caregivers suffer can lead to feelings of hopelessness and cause some to neglect their own needs. This stress fluctuates with circumstances, says Dr Tay Kai Hong, an associate consultant at the department of psychiatry at Sengkang General Hospital. “However, when symptoms of caregiver stress become severe and protracted for more than a few weeks, the carer may have progressed to clinical depression,” he adds. They lose the ability to experience joy, which may be replaced by constant feelings of dread, drudgery, hopelessness and helplessness. At this stage, it affects their usual eating, sleeping and working routine, as well as leisure activities and caregiving duties. In more severe cases, suicidal thoughts may emerge, he says. Dr Tay shares the signs and symptoms to look out for, and practical tips to manage caregiver stress.