Experiences and coping strategies of caregivers of people living with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality

Abstract

Inspired by an experience during block practicums as a 4th year Student Social Worker at Vaal Mental Health, an organisation working with people living with mental illness and their families. The researcher observed different challenges experienced by caregivers of people living with mental illness, and became aware of the extent of the problem. In addition, the researcher saw the need to conduct research on how caregivers experienced and coped with caring for a person living with mental illness. The results of this study will contribute to the ongoing body of information in social work departments and contribute to the knowledge base about mental health within the area of Emfuleni Local Municipality. The aim of the study was to portray the experiences and coping strategies of caregivers of people living with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality. The study was divided into two research objectives which were: to describe the experiences of caregivers of people living with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality; and to ascertain the coping strategies of caregivers of people with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality. The research followed a qualitative research approach and Qualitative Descriptive research design. Twelve participants (12) between the ages of 18 and 70 years were selected using purposive sampling. Participants were selected from three mental health care facilities, namely Johan Heyns CHC, Levai Mbatha CHC, and Vaal Mental Health Organisation. Six (6) caregivers from Johan Heyns CHC, three (3) caregivers from Levai Mbatha CHC, and three (3) caregivers from Vaal Mental Health Organisation participated in the research study. The findings of this study evidenced that caregivers of people living with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality assumed healthcare roles such as supervising medication, treatment schedules, bathing, and feeding the persons with mental illness. They expressed a whole spectrum of emotions ranging from anger, fear and frustration in reaction to the behaviour of the person with mental illness; feelings of helplessness and confusion from the disruptive behaviour of the person with mental illness; feeling emotionally drained and exhausted; putting own health at risk; and experiencing financial difficulties and family conflicts. The study also revealed that caregivers used social support (family and friends, spousal, and professional support), religious practices (praying, reading the bible, faith in God), counselling and intervention services (assistance from social workers, psychologists, police, and other professionals), creativity, distraction, and motivation (attachment, love, sense of responsibility) as coping strategies. The findings of the investigation then informed the recommendations arrived at, about best practices and plans that need to be considered to rise to the current challenge as a matter of urgency in this social and health arena.