Whose life am i living? Relatives living in the shadow of depression.
BACKGROUND
Families living with mental illness experience added burden and need information and support.


OBJECTIVE
This aim of this study was to explore the experiences of families living close to a depressed individual.


METHODS
Eighteen persons were interviewed individually or in focus groups. Data was analysed using a grounded theory-inspired methodology.


RESULTS
Most participants expressed a feeling of not living their own life, struggling to balance relationships, adapting to and re-evaluating their life circumstances, and struggling to voice their ill relatives' and their own needs.


CONCLUSIONS
More can be done to help and sustain hope in the relatives of persons with depression.
Stjernswärd
Sigrid
S
Health and Society, Malmö University, Sweden. sigrid.stjernsward@mah.se
Ostman
Margareta
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged