Perceived mental health and emotional trajectories of long-term family caregivers of persons with mental conditions: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To explore the emotional experience and the perceived mental health of experienced family caregivers of people with mental disorders.

Background: Family caregiving for individuals with mental disorders differs from other health conditions, as it implies a burden, deterioration in physical and mental health, stigma and a perceived lack of support from mental health services.

Methods: A mixed-method study was undertaken with family caregivers of people diagnosed with mental disorders.

Results: A total of 13 experienced family caregivers were included in the study. The qualitative data were classified into two major themes: emotions and perceived mental health. Emotions included five categories: irritability, painful emotions, pressure, emotions orientated towards coping, and positive emotions. The perceived mental health status embraced five categories: anxiety, burden and exhaustion, needing psychological or psychiatric treatment, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. An emotional path could be constructed from their discourses, starting with lack of control or irritation that evolved towards resignation, peace or satisfaction. The quantitative analysis partially replicated the qualitatively reported anxiety, depressive symptoms and insomnia.

Conclusion: Past and present emotions related to caregiving described by experienced family caregivers were identified. Their emotional trajectories converged in that negative emotions gave way to emotions towards coping, which in turn were followed by positive emotions. The participants' descriptions about their mental status were partially reflected through objective mental health measurements.

Relevance to clinical practice: More support from mental health services could help caregivers to progress in their emotional trajectory towards coping, and improve their caregiving knowledge and skills. Mental health nurses have a role in patients and caregivers education and in the promotion of caregivers' psychological wellbeing.

Keywords: Caregivers; Coping; Emotions; Mental disorders.