Exploring the lived experiences and resilience strategies of family caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder: A qualitative study.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Family members of patients with bipolar disorder are at increased risk of stress and other challenges when they assume caregiving responsibilities. However, the lived experiences and resilience strategies of the family caregivers have not received much considerations in research. This study explored the lived experiences and resilience strategies of family caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with 17 family caregivers of bipolar disorder patients who were receiving care at XXX in XXX. Semi-structured interviews were used during data collection. Thematic analysis five major themes were identified representing the lived experiences and resilience measures among the caregivers. These themes were; emotional and psychological impact of caregiving, strain on relationships, coping and resilience strategies, challenges in accessing support and adaptation to caregiving role. Overall, the findings of this study highlights that caregiving of bipolar disorder is associated with various challenges stress, blame, guilt, strain relationships and poor access to resources. However, positive resilience measures such as adapting to caregiving among others are essential to the process.