Caregiver Burden and Mental Health: Millennial Caregivers

Millennials are the next generation of caregivers in the United States, with unique qualities disparate from prior generations. The group is more racially and ethnically distinct, with gender differences varying by race and ethnicity. Research has shown that caregivers of those with mental illness have an increased incidence of depression and anxiety. Current research suggests that targeted interventions for caregivers that promote empowerment, attention to their health concerns, and addressing financial needs can assist in decreasing the risk for adverse health effects associated with caregiving. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) program, Family to Family (FTF), is a nationwide free 12-week educational program designed to educate and support caregivers of persons with mental illness. Programs like FTF can assist Millennial caregivers by providing peer support, increasing knowledge about caregiving, and expanding understanding of mental illness. Implications for nursing practice and future research are discussed.