The impact of depression on caregivers and other family members: Implications for professional support

Inspired by clinical contacts with a number of clients with a depressed relative, this research focuses upon how a person in such circumstances is affected. Based upon a self-selected sample of members of the Depression Alliance a postal questionnaire and detailed interviews were conducted. The authors propose a four-phase model of the caregiving experience and consider the following questions: how do families account for depression? How is a family's emotional life affected? What have been caregivers' experiences with mental health professionals? What are the factors which assist or hinder their search for help? Is there a role for counselling and if so, is there a best time for it? Findings support the notion that family caregivers are a group at risk and that their need to talk about their mutative experiences is optimally met through supportive and exploratory counselling once patient-state is stable.