Feelings, thoughts and experiences of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Caregivers have different experiences in the patient care process during which the role of providing care is fulfilled. Aim: The aim of this study was to provide data on the feelings, thoughts and experiences of the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Method: In this study, the phenomenological method was used. Results: The results of this study revealed the following themes: meaning of schizophrenia, the meaning of being caregiver, life before being caregiver, feeling of patients’ relatives, difficult areas while providing care, coping situations and metaphors produced by the caregivers. Conclusion: The results obtained from the study revealed that the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia need information about the mental illness and have a higher emotional burden. Practice Implications: Nurses should listen to caregivers’ experiences, inquire about the experience of caregivers regarding patient care and advise caregivers on how to take care of their patients.