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February 11, 2025 | 06:14 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The sandwich generation refers to a group of people who are simultaneously responsible for caring for three generations: their parents, themselves, and their children. For some people, this responsibility becomes a heavy burden on their mental health.
The term sandwich generation was first introduced by Dorothy A. Miller in 1981 in her journal entitled "The 'Sandwich' Generation: Adult Children of the Aging".
Miller, a professor and director at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA, described this generation as individuals caught between the dual demands of caring for elderly parents and raising their own children.
Members of the sandwich generation often have to divide their time, energy, and resources to meet the needs of many family members. Consequently, it is not surprising that they are more vulnerable to various mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and even depression.
As reported by Antara, The American Psychological Association's 2007 Stress in America survey showed that the 35-54 age group, which is categorized as the sandwich generation, experiences higher stress levels as they have to balance the roles of being parents and children. In fact, almost 40 percent of women in this condition reported having extreme stress levels.
According to a psychiatrist at Pondok Indah Hospital, Zulvia Oktanida Syarif, the pressure faced by the sandwich generation can have an impact on their physical health. Some of these impacts include physical and mental fatigue (burnout), sleep disorders, feelings of guilt, excessive anxiety, an increased risk of obesity, and a weakened immune system.
Tips for the Sandwich Generation to Maintain Mental Health
Despite facing various challenges, the sandwich generation can take steps to protect their mental health as follows:
1. Ask for Help
Do not hesitate to share responsibilities with other family members or use assistance services, such as elderly caregivers or childcare providers.
2. Take Time for Yourself
Allocating time for hobbies or just relaxing can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
3. Hold Family Meetings
Open discussions with family members can be a place to share feelings and collaboratively find solutions. Appreciating small moments with parents and children can be a way to reduce pressure and enjoy the role of the sandwich generation.
4. Maintain Communication
Effective communication with parents, partners, and children can help prevent conflicts that worsen stress.
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