Family members of individuals suffering from mental disorders: Stress and care stressors

Abstract

Following the reform in mental health care, the family began to assume a significant role in the psychosocial rehabilitation of individuals suffering from mental health issues, which has made family members susceptible to stress. This study evaluated the manifestation of stress, self-perception of stress, and perception of stressors in care provided by family caregivers to individuals suffering from mental disorders. Fifty-four caregivers of patients being cared for in a mental health service for at least one year participated in the study. The following were used: the Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory, and a complementary instrument. The results were analyzed through descriptive and non-parametric statistics. Half of participants manifested stress. Caregivers considered contact with patients and the caregiver role as the most stressful factors. The conclusion is that caregivers have difficulties in providing informal mental care and need support to development strategies to deal with stressful care situations.