Coexistence of family caregiver to the person with mental disorder

Abstract

For a long time, family members were aloof from caring for the mentally ill. With the psychiatric reform, new measures favor the treatment of the mentally ill in society and the family has great responsibilities in the care of this population. The present study interviewed 25 caregivers aged over 18 years of age who had parental relationships with a person with mental disorder, from a public health service, with the objective to present their experiences and perceptions on mental illness and how they deal with the sick family member. A sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were applied. It was identified that caregivers have great difficulties in understanding what mental illness is and in reconciling personal life with care for the family with mental disorder. We also evidenced different ways in which family members deal with the person’s illness. Exacerbated control of patients' behaviors is very frequent when attempting to protect, which in turns compromises their autonomy and overloads the caregiver.