Caring for a Family Member with Chronic Mental Illness

Abstract

The aim of the phenomenological study described in this article was to depict the lived world of caring for a family member with chronic mental illness. Through two individual in-depth interviews, 14 participants were asked to describe their experience of caring for a son, daughter, or parent affected by chronic mental illness. The main themes emerging from the study related to temporality, the need to "live each day as it comes" without being able to make long-term plans, and to relationality, the need to "look at the world through the other's window," always aware of how the world responds, not only to oneself but also to the person with mental illness.

Perceptions of the Relationship Between Mental Health Professionals and Family Caregivers: Has There Been Any Change?

“…Families in Hanson and Rapp's study (1992), also reported lack of involvement in the discharge process, lack of needed information, and lack of follow-up in the community. Other researchers confirmed these findings (Cook, Lefley, Pickett & Cohler, 1994;Greenberg, Steven & Greenley, 1997;Jeon & Madjar, 1998), but also added different negative experiences with professionals such as long delays in obtaining help, not being believed by the mental health service, and being accused of exaggeration. However, families experienced lower levels of distress when professionals treated the family as allies and partners in the treatment process (Greenberg, Steven, & Greenley, 1997) and when they gave practical advice and support about managing behaviours, thus enhancing the family caregiver's sense of control (Reinhard, 1994).…”

“…Not being listened to and not being believed were difficulties described by family caregivers in this study and that of Heather (2004) and Jeon and Madjar (1998). As family caregivers spent more time with their family members than the limited time mental health professionals had with clients, they felt that they recognized early warning signs of deterioration that professionals may have missed, and were more aware of the need for early intervention.…”

Being There for Another With a Serious Mental Illness

“…Further more, although additional studies (e.g., Chang & Horrocks, 2006;Daly, 2005;Jeon & Madjar, 1998;McCann & Clark, 2004;Rungreangkulkij & Chesla, 2001;Sveinbjarnardot tir & Dierckx de Casterle, 1997;Tuck, du Mont, Evans, & Shupe, 1997;Yamashita, 1996) addressed the general experience of mental illness, none of them focused on the unique caretaking relationship between a mentally ill person and the nonprofessional caretaker in his or her life. Thus, the research I envisioned would fill a gap in current literature and help professional caregivers, such as nurses, provide more complete care to both those suf fering from severe mental illness and their families.…”

Relationship-Based Support for Women Living with Serious Mental Illness

“…For those with chronic mental illnesses, when the frequency and length of admissions increase, there are fewer friends and relatives in their social networks (HolmesEber & Riger, 1990). Over time, when families are the major or only source of support, considerable strain is placed on familial relationships (Jeon & Madjar, 1998).…”