The relational context of mental health for carers: A qualitative study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how carers view and describe positive mental health. We interviewed 11 persons with lived experiences of caring for a close relative with a severe mental illness. A thematic analysis of the transcribed data material resulted in the following three themes: 1) Mental health as a relational phenomenon; 2) Dealing with excruciating hopelessness; and 3) Coping strategies for the carer. We discuss our results in relation to existing theory and suggest some clinical implications that follow from study findings.