Emotional reactions and coping strategies of carers of people with serious mental illnesses: A focus group study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the perception of caring for individuals with serious mental illnesses from the perspectives of carers and service users. Method: This was a qualitative research employing nine focus groups. A total of 46 participants involved in the study, consisted of seven groups of carers (n = 33) and two groups of service users (n = 13). The entire participants were recruited from two government mental health hospitals in Indonesia. The data were analysed by using framework analysis. Results: Both service user and carer participants perceived that caring for individuals with serious mental illnesses with regard to emotional reactions and coping strategies in undertaking caregiving role. Conclusion: The study suggests that taking care of individuals with serious mental illnesses was not just a burden but that it could also be rewarding. In addition, the cultural beliefs have guided the carers for seeking help from traditional healers instead of medical professionals especially in the initial phase of the relatives’ illness. The finding recommends to an application of culturally-based approaches in order to deliver effective professional support for the carers.