An investigation of family carers whose relatives have difficulty engaging with traditional mental health services.

Abstract

This study investigated family caregivers whose relatives have difficulty engaging with traditional mental health services. Family caregivers often live in close contact with their mentally ill relative. The local situation in light of previous research conducted overseas was critically examined. Data was collected by means of face to face interviews. The experiences of a purposive sample of 10 family carers were obtained through semi-structure interviews. The socio-demographic characteristics of carers and their relatives where identified together with the main themes through content analysis. The three main themes included the family carers' experience; coping and adaptation and the family carers' experiences with the psychiatric services. These themes, sub themes and their related concepts were discussed in light of the identified literature. Family carers experienced both positive and negative feelings related to their relative's mental illness. Five carers whose relative was currently experiencing a relapse expressed that psychiatric illness was very difficult to live with. Though the carers coped and adapted to their relatives' illness some carers expressed the need for more emotional support. The family carers found that the current service provision lacked family involvement and did not assist carers in crises. Issues of lack of information and stigma were also recognized. From theses findings recommendations for further research, mental health services and education were identified.