A survey showed that one in about four caregivers for sick or elderly friends and relatives suffered from depression. The figure was two times higher than for the population of the United States in general.

In contrast, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta released a study last year, which said that around 9 percent of Americans are likely to suffer from depression.

The online survey was hosted by Caring.com, a California-based website for caregivers. They had recruited 400 Americans to complete the survey. According to the online site, caregivers who are attending to a loved-one experience high level of depression as they face their own health problems.

The survey also showed that nearly one-third of family caregivers allot more than 30 hours per week in that position. It also showed that 77 percent of the caregivers are concerned on how their responsibilities can affect on their savings. Most caregivers attend to a sick patient, but the rest care for their spouse, friend or relative.

Based on the given study, 86 percent of the respondents believed that their role as a caregiver affected their situation at work since they had to cut time away from it or even quit their jobs early.

It also revealed that nearly half of the caregivers turn to their religious organizations to gather support aside from their friends and family. In addition, 25 percent seek online support through chat rooms, discussion forums and social networking sites such as Facebook.