Experiences and coping strategies of caregivers of people with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality, South Africa

Despite advancements in mental health services, caregivers of individuals with mental illness in South Africa face increasing burdens. This study aimed to describe the experiences and coping strategies of caregivers of people living with mental illness in Emfuleni Local Municipality. A qualitative research approach with a descriptive design was employed. Twelve caregivers of people with mental illness were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis and Atlas Ti-version 23 software. Findings postulate that the caregivers of individuals with mental illness experienced challenges such as undertaking healthcare roles, grappling with psychosocial issues, emotional distress, physical exhaustion, vulnerability to illness, financialdifficulties, and family conflicts. In addition, their coping strategies included relying on social support networks from family, friends, and mental health professionals; engaging in religious practices; seeking counselling and intervention services; using creativity, distraction; and motivation. Most of the participants in this study came from low-income households, followed by middle income households, and none came from high income households. Therefore, the experiences of high-income households have not been represented in this study. The study was conducted only in Vaal Mental Organisation, Johan Heyns Community Health Centre (CHC), and Levai Mbatha CHC in Emfuleni Local Municipality and not the whole of Gauteng. Therefore, external validity and generalisations of the findings might belimited. The study mainly recommends mental healthcare centres to provide integrated services for both mental healthcare users and caregivers.