Inte bara anhörig : En kvalitativ studie om hur det är att vara anhörig till en partner med psykisk ohälsa

Sammanfattning: “Not just a relative” A qualitative study on how it is to be a relative of a partner with mental illness   The purpose of the study is to investigate how relatives of a partner with mental illness communicate about their relationship, how employees at a municipal unit work with support of this kind of family while observing from an outside and unbiased perspective, and what kind of support society can offer to prevent problems for the person with mental illness. We have conducted a qualitative survey by interviews and results show that the relatives in the study experience stress, shame, guilt, and  have a strong need to portray a better image of their lives towards others and society. The love of the sick partner as well as the will to help the sick partner makes them stay. There is an inner conflict within these relatives between the will to help and how much and what help can be offered or expected while listening to ones body and psyche. All informants have received support from the society. The employees at the municipal unit work to prevent issues and problems arising by communicating with the family early on in the prognosis and they attach great importance to the involvement of the family in the treatment and care, as well as seeing the relatives as a resource.     Written by Amal Lindgren and Malin Johansson