Support Needs of Family Caregivers of People who Experience Mental Illness and the Role of Mental Health Services

Abstract

Family caregivers are an irreplaceable resource for the mental health services system and the pillars on which the system currently rests. Addressing the needs of these caregivers is therefore crucial for the survival of the system. This paper will present findings from a qualitative study that aimed to explore the experiences and needs of family caregivers whose relatives were at various stages of recovery from mental illness. Participants for the study were members of carer support groups as well as non-member caregivers from various regions of Sydney, Australia. The findings highlight the heterogeneity among caregivers, the diversity in their needs, and the difficulties they experience in accessing support from public mental health services.