Exploring the Lived Experiences of Family Members Caring for Persons with Mental Illness – an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Background: Families caring for individuals with mental illness often encounter significant challenges that impact their daily lives, including work, relationships, and social well-being. These responsibilities can result in high levels of stress and emotional strain. In Nepal, there is limited qualitative research on how family members perceive mental illness, manage caregiving duties, and cope with related stress. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of primary family caregivers, focusing on their challenges, coping strategies, and overall understanding of mental illness.
Methods: The study involved ten family caregivers from the Mental Hospital in Lagankhel and Chiryau Polyclinic in Kathmandu, collected through semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and coded in NVivo, identifying shared patterns and meanings.
Results: Ten caregivers aged 30 to 64 (mean age 47.8) described their roles as deeply demanding and painful. They faced challenging behaviors and often sacrificed their own needs, resulting in emotional distress and exhaustion. The caregivers reported experiencing anxiety, burnout, guilt, anger, and social stigma. To cope, they relied on strategies such as crying, distraction, adaptation, inner resilience, and support from family or social networks. Many also found personal growth, emotional strength, and a clearer understanding of mental illness and its treatment. Finally, participants emphasized the critical need for education, professional and family support, systemic services, government-facilitated healthcare access, and financial assistance to sustain effective caregiving.
Conclusions: This study highlights the intense challenges faced by family caregivers of individuals with mental illness and underscores the need for strong support systems. Understanding their experiences and coping strategies can help guide targeted interventions, ultimately improving support for both caregivers and those they care for.
Keywords: Caregivers; family; mental disorders; mental health; qualitative research.