WE NEED SUPPORT: THE EXPERIENCES OF FAMILY MEMBERS CARING FOR A RELATIVE DIAGNOSED WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Family members living with and caring for a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia may experience severe challenges that can result in secondary stress and influence various life domains. This article is based on a study which aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of these family members. The study applied a qualitative research approach with phenomenology as the strategy of inquiry. The study implemented voluntary snowball sampling to select participants for the study. Data collection consisted of unstructured interviews followed by thematic analysis to establish the findings of the research. These findings specified the challenges experienced by family members caring for a relative with schizophrenia. The findings also indicated the social support and social work interventions which can mitigate or prevent the adverse effects when family members care for a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia. Effective and comprehensive social work services, which are family sensitive and inclusive, are imperative. Active engagement with both the family carer(s) and relative diagnosed with schizophrenia can contribute to minimising these adverse effects. Keywords: carers, deinstitutionalisation, family members, mental health, schizophrenia, social work