Caring for others, especially close family members, can affect mental health, but research hasn’t always looked closely at how different caregiving relationships matter. This study found that people who care for spouses or parents, especially women caring for someone in their own household, tend to experience more symptoms of depression. These effects can last over time, particularly for those caring for a cohabiting partner. The findings suggest that caregiving support should consider both the type of relationship and gender differences to better protect carers’ mental health.
Valerie Schaps et al. | Carer mental health in Europe. Does it matter who you care for? Cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from SHARE | Aging and Mental Health, 2025