Support for young informal carers of persons with mental illness: a mixed-method study

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2013 Aug;34(8):611-8. doi: 10.3109/01612840.2013.791736.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how young (16-25 year old) informal carers of a person with a mental illness experience and use support. In a mixed method approach, we interviewed 12 young carers, and 241 completed a self-administered questionnaire. While the young carers strive to maintain control, their main support seems to be others in their lives, who often define the situation differently. The carers said web-support, counseling, and group counseling might be helpful, yet very few had any professional support. Young carers are greatly in need of support and it should be provided.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Home Nursing / psychology
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Internal-External Control
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / nursing*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Patient Care / psychology*
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden
  • Young Adult