Mental illness in the family: an emotional experience

A qualitative study was conducted in Iceland to describe the experiences of family members of the seriously mentally ill. Eighteen family members were interviewed. From organizing the interview data into categories nine theme clusters emerged: emotionally painful and disturbing feelings; fears about the safety of the patient as well as of other family members; unpredictability of the episodic characteristics of mental illness; prejudice or unfairness toward patient and family; acceptance of the illness; cognitive, emotional, and behavioral coping strategies; hope as an element to come to terms with the mental illness; emotional support; and the need for informational and instrumental support. These nine themes could be categorized into three main groups: emotional impact, adapting to the illness, and support needs. The results of this study have clinical and theoretical implications not only for psychiatric nursing in Iceland but also for all clinicians working with the families of the seriously mentally ill.