Mental Illness amongst Family Members: Perceptions of Family Caregivers at a Selected Hospital in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract

Family caregivers of individuals with mental illnesses frequently experience substantial burdens, encompassing physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities. This study explores family caregivers' common challenges in a selected location, with particular attention to their coping mechanisms. These challenges and strategies are theoretically examined, integrating relevant literature and participants' perspectives. A qualitative research approach explored caregivers lived experiences, perceptions, and adaptive behaviours. The study purposively sampled twelve family caregivers from one of the provinces in South Africa, all providing care to relatives receiving treatment at a designated Mental Health Care Unit. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically to identify recurring and central themes. The findings reveal that caregivers encounter multifaceted challenges, including financial strain, deteriorating health, exposure to violence, property damage, social stigma, and inadequate structural support. To mitigate these difficulties, comprehensive support systems must empower caregivers to manage their responsibilities effectively. Increased awareness, education, and skills development initiatives are essential to equip caregivers with the necessary tools to navigate their roles. Furthermore, expanding mental health facilities and employing additional social workers could significantly enhance the support available to families providing care.

Keywords: Mental health; mental illness; caregivers; challenges; mental health care user; caregiver burden; stigmatisation.

References

Ambikile, J. S., & Iseselo, M. K. (2023). Challenges to providing home care and support for people with severe mental illness: Experiences and perspectives of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(1), e0001518. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001518

Algorani, E. B., & Gupta, V. (2023). Coping mechanisms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559031/

Avasthi, A. (2010). Preserve and strengthen family to promote mental health. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 52(2), 113–126. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.64582

Cruz, E., Pare`, M., Stan, C., Voth, J., Ward, L., & Taboun. M. (2024). Caring For the Caregiver: An Exploration of the Experiences of Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness. ScienceDirect, 5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321524000155?via%3Dihub

Gambrills, E. (1997). Social Work Practice: A Critical Thinker Guide. New York: Oxford University.

Ghiasi, N., Azhar, Y., & Singh, J. (2023). Psychiatric illness and criminality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537064/

Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. R. (2013). The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, synthesis and generation of evidence (7th ed). St. Louis, Mo: Saunders Elsevier.

Janardhana, N., Raghunandan, S., Naidu, D. M., Saraswathi, L., & Seshan, V. (2015). Care giving of people with severe mental illness: an Indian experience. Indian Journal Of Psychological Medicine, 37(2), 184-194. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.155619

Lynch, S. H., & Lobo, M. L. (2012). Compassion fatigue in family caregivers: a Wilsonian concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(9), 2125-2134. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.05985.x

Manamela, N. P., Rapholo, S. F., & Singwane, T. P. (2024). The Lived Experiences of Cluster Foster Parents in Caring for Foster Care Children with Special Needs in Mpumalanga, South Africa. e-BANGI: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities , 21(3), 251-262.

Mbedzi, T. E., van der Wath, A. E & Moagi, M. M. (2024). The lifeworld of families of mental health care users in rural South Africa: A phenomenological study. South African journal of psychiatry, 30(2024).

Mothwa, N. G., Moagi, M. M., & van der Wath, A. E. (2020). Challenges experienced by South African families caring for state patients on leave of absence, 26. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1453

Ndlovu, J. T., & Mokwena, K. E. (2023). Burden of care of family caregivers for people diagnosed with serious mental disorders in a rural health district in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Healthcare 2023, 11(2686). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192686

Nkuna, T. (2019). Experiences of family members of persons living with mental illness in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province; South Africa. [Masters dissertation, University of Limpopo].

Ntsayagae, E. I., Poggenpoel, M., & Myburgh, C. (2019). Experiences of family caregivers of persons living with mental illness: A meta-synthesis. Curationis 42(1) https://curationis.org.za/index.php/curationis/article/view/1900/2596

Phillips, R., Durkin, M., Engward, H., Cable, G., & Iancu, M. (2023). The impact of caring for family members with mental illnesses on the caregiver: a scoping review. Mental Promotion International 38(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daac049

Sasu, D. D. (2024). Mental health spending’s share in public health expenditure per capita in Africa in 2020. https://www.statista.com

Secinti, E., Fischer, I. C., Brennan, E. A., Christon, L. & Balliet, W. (2023). The efficacy of psychosocial interventions for cancer caregiver burden: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, 99(102237). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102237

Shamsaei, F., Cheraghi, F., & Esmaeilli, R. (2015). The Family Challenge of Caring for the Chronically Mentally Ill: A Phenomenological Study. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, 9(3),1-7. https://doi.org/10.17795/ijpbs-1898

Singwane, T. P., & Ramoshaba, D. J. (2024). Exploring Crystal Methamphetamine Use Among School-Going Learners: A Qualitative Case Study in South African Schools. e-BANGI: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 21(4).

Singwane, T. P., & Sandhleni, I. B. (2023). The livelihoods and challenges faced by caregivers of children with disabilities in South Africa. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 6(7), 552-565.

Sorsdahl, K., Petersen, I., Myers, B., Zingela, Z., Lund, C., & van der Westhuizen, C. (2023). A reflection of the mental healthcare system in South Africa, 4, 2666-5603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100247

Weir, K. (2012). The Roots of Mental Illness: How much of mental illness can the biology of the brain explain. Monitor on Psychology. American Psychological Association, 43(6), 30-33.

World Health Organization (2025). Mental disorders. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mentaldisorders#:~:text=A%20mental%20disorder%20is%20characterized,in%20important%20areas%20of%20functioning

Zingela, Z., van Wyk, S., & Petersen, J. (2019). Use of traditional and alternative healers by psychiatric patients: a descriptive study in urban South Africa. Transcult. Psychiatry 56, 146-166.