Is There A Link Between Caregiving & The Rise In Women's Autoimmune Diagnosis?
Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto, Multiple Sclerosis.....Rings A Bell?
Welcome To The Care Gap and Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you so much for your amazing support of The Care Gap! This week I’m introducing a short summary if you are in a pinch and want to circle back later. If you are yet to upgrade to paid, please consider it. Your subscription ensures this work qualifies as paid work, and that I can devote more time between chasing after my four kids to doing the research and uncovering the gaps in care in our home, workplaces, and society at large.
TLDR:
Women bear a disproportionate burden of caregiving and unpaid work, leading to significant physical and mental health challenges.
Personal stories and survey data reveal that stress from juggling multiple responsibilities can manifest as serious health issues, including autoimmune conditions.
Research indicates that the constant stress of caregiving may cause increased cortisol levels and systemic inflammation, heightening the risk of illness.
This health crisis is exacerbated in Black and Latino women, including low income countries and those who face additional stress from social exclusion.


