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This study aimed to address gaps in understanding of the lived experiences of caregivers of persons with mental illness in low-income countries. It was conducted among caregivers of persons with mental illness making use of a free non-governmental clinic in and around Chennai, India. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, with semi-structured interviews and life history exercises (n = 29) and six focus group discussions with caregivers (n = 21) and mental health professionals and community-based workers (n = 39). The experiences of caregivers were analyzed in the framework of "The Banyan model of caregiving," which identifies six phases. Major themes in caregivers' experience were: embarrassment and losing honor; fear; awareness; stigma and social exclusion; and reduced social interaction and loneliness. Posttraumatic growth considered as the result of caregiver experiences was found to consist mainly of personal growth and focusing on positive life experiences. Lost opportunities particular to the context of Tamil Nadu were described as the inability to get married, obtaining less education than desired, and loss of employment. Siblings faced lower levels of burden, while elderly mothers experienced especially high levels of burden and lack of happiness in life. Caregiver gains were identified as greater compassion for other people with disabilities, resulting in a desire to help others, as well as increased personal strength and confidence. Understanding the nuances of the caregiving experiences over time can provide a framework to devise more fine-tuned support structures that aim to prevent reductions in social interaction and lost opportunities, and improve a sense of meaning, in order to assist caregivers to continue providing care for their relatives with mental illness in a context with scarce mental health resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to understand the phenomenon of isolation due to COVID-19 through the lens of a feminist perspective. It focuses on daily life experiences of oppressed individuals living in Çankaya, whose spatial, socio-cultural, and political positions intersect with their age, disability, and gender. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 people, of different ages, disabilities, and gender statements. Findings show that multi-dimensional oppressions and discriminations have undermined solidarity relations and result in more profound loneliness. The results highlight that new social work approaches involving intersectional feminist consciousness of oppressions need to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to obtain a greater understanding of the characteristics of social relations and experiences of social isolation among homeless people, substance users and other socially marginalized users of shelters and drop-in centres in Denmark. Based on in-depth interviews with 46 shelter/centre users, we created a typology of five groups: the socially related and content, the satisfied loners, the socially related but lonely, the socially isolated and thein-betweens. The characteristics of the groups did not seem related to interviewees’ degree of social marginalization. Professionals played a pivotal role, providing social support and help to improve interviewees’ life circumstances. The findings provide insight into the social lives of shelter/centre users that is useful for developing initiatives to improve their social wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]