Influences of COVID-19 on the everyday lives and mental health of caregivers of family members with schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with schizophrenia require continuous follow-up by mental health services and by a caregiver, a role commonly assumed by a family member. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted service provision, overburdening caregivers and causing significant changes in their everyday lives. Objective: To identify and describe, from the perspective of caregivers of family members with schizophrenia, the changes in their everyday lives resulting from the social distancing imposed by COVID-19. Method: A qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in a specialized outpatient clinic with 10 female participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and examined using thematic content analysis. Results: Two analytical categories were identified: (1) Altered daily life (participants reported difficulties in occupations such as work, activities of daily living, leisure, and instrumental activities of daily living); (2) Perceptions of mental health (depressed mood and feelings such as anxiety, worry, and fear). Participants described new challenges during the pandemic both in their relationships with ill relatives and in relation to themselves. COVID-19 impacted caregivers’ occupations and mental health, requiring new ways of being and coping with difficulties. The social marker of gender proved essential for understanding these women’s lived experiences. Conclusion: Caregivers’ everyday lives underwent multiple changes during social distancing, and their vulnerabilities were exacerbated, resulting in multidimensional suffering. It is essential that caregivers receive attention from occupational therapists and interprofessional teams, and that public policies supporting this group be strengthened, especially during health crises.