Support for Young Informal Carers of Persons with Mental Illness: A Mixed-Method Study. (1st August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ali, Lilas; Ahlström, Britt Hedman; Krevers, Barbro; Sjöström, Nils; Skärsäter, Ingela
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 34:Number 8(2013)
• Page Start: 611
• Page End: 618
• Publication Date: 2013-08-01
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2013.791736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

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.