The complexity of family stigma living with mental illness patients

Abstract

Introduction

Families with mental disorder are often faced with stigma which results in

hampering the patient's recovery process so that it aggravates and

prolongs family suffering. Family experience when caring for sufferers is

valuable information, however the exploration of Palembang family

experiences when treating sufferers is still not much explored.

Objective

This study aims to explore family experiences when facing stigma in

providing care for people with mental disorders.

Methods

This research was conducted with a descriptive phenomenological design

and data collection through in-depth interviews. Families of people with

mental disorders who are in the Ulu 1 Palembang Public Health Center are

the study population and 5 participants as research samples were

determined using convenience sampling techniques. In-depth information

is outlined in the form of transcripts and matrices, then analyzed using the Colaizzi’s method.

Results

Six themes have been identified, including: loss response, use of coping mechanisms, change in the response

of social relations, the meaning of stigma for the family, expect community support and expect support from

health workers.

Conclusion

Recuperation of mental issue can run ideally if stigma can be diminished through great joint effort between

families, communities and health care services.