Experiences of family caregivers of people with severe mental health conditions

Abstract

Introduction: After the first crisis, family caregivers of persons with severe mental health conditions face situations that impact not only them but also affecting the recovery of these persons. Objective: To describe and analyze the experiences of family caregivers of people with severe mental health conditions after the first crisis. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted. The sample was selected intentionally. Semi-structured interviews (n=15) were carried out. The analysis was qualitative. Results: Participants explained that the experiences after the first crisis generated severe suffering in the family as a group, and the primary caregiver being the most affected. When referring to mental health workers, participants agreed that their support favors changes to the lives both of people with severe mental health conditions and the family group (and the primary caregiver included). Mental health worker´s interventions are considered an opportunity to improve their quality of life. Conclusion: It has been suggested that family caregivers are the blind spot of the mental health field. They organize and provide care, provide support during and after the first crisis, suffer with the person with severe mental health conditions, but they are invisible to mental health services.