An on-going crisis: The experience of Thai family caregivers during their care of relatives with a mental illness

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC14.26

Authors: Sudkhanoung Plangpongpan, Rachel Rossiter, Michael Hazelton

Abstract: The arduous nature of caring for a mentally ill family member has been previously well described. However, the impacts of the inevitable crises associated with severe mental illness further add to what is already a heavy burden. The aim of this paper is to present one of the key findings of a phenomenological research study exploring Thai family caregivers’ experience of crisis encountered while providing care for their mentally ill loved ones. In depth interviews were conducted with 12 caregivers. While family caregivers identified precipitating factors for the crises that occurred, the overall theme depicted their experience as that of living in a state of on-going crisis. Importantly, caregivers revealed the personal impact of their role and of their own experience of crises precipitated by the difficulties faced by their loved ones. The effect of living in this state on caregivers’ emotional and physical well-being will be the focus of this paper.

Keywords: care giving, crisis, caregivers, mental illness, mental disorder, Thailand