Den dolda sanningen - en kvalitativ studie om att vara anhörig till en närstående med psykisk sjukdom

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how close relatives experience living with a person with mental illness. The focus of this study was how the relative is affected, the support they receive from the surrounding system, and what strategies they develop to manage the situation. To answer the questions of the study, we have used qualitative content analysis on six autobiographies written by relatives of people with mental illness. The material was analyzed using system theory as well as the theory of the family life cycle. Concepts such as stigma and shame were also used. The results of the study show that all close relatives experience difficulties in relation to caring for the person with mental illness and thus develop different strategies to cope with everyday life. Close relatives take on a great deal of responsibility for their loved ones. They experience anxiety, shame, guilt, and sadness among other things. The results also show that there is a lack of support from healthcare and friends. The relatives develop strategies such as adapting or taking care of themselves. The study also shows that mental illness often is kept secret, leading to it being hidden from the outside and becoming a hidden truth. Our study also provides insight into the positive and loving aspects of caring for a close relative with mental illness, which is lacking in previous research.