Abstract
This study explored the experiences of caregivers handling bipolar patients. It utilized the descriptive-phenomenological method of research with 10 participants from the SOCCSKSARGEN region. The findings of the study reveal that the caregivers were 46.8 years old on average, the majority were women. Most participants were parents of the patients. Most have been a caregiver for 10 years or more. The data when thematically analyzed generated eleven (11) clustered themes which, furthermore, categorized into four (4) emergent themes: (1) Navigating the Complexities of Caregiving; (2) The Uphill Battles of Caregiving; (3) The Resilience and Support in Caregiving, and (4) Joys of Caregiving. The responsibilities of the caregivers revolve around providing compassionate care to the patient, ensuring adherence to therapeutic management, recognizing early signs and symptoms to prevent relapse, assuming caregiving roles, and fostering the patient’s independence whenever possible. The challenges experienced by caregivers that affected their lives in some way include the presence of constant stress, financial constraints, and lack of socialization with other people. Furthermore, they did not receive any help from the government. As a coping mechanism, caregivers nurture themselves by pursuing what they love to do like cooking or visiting family members. Moreover, having faith in God, especially praying also helped them to cope with stress. Caregivers also experienced joys in caregiving.