title: A Journey of Discovery: Experiences of Carers of People with Mental Illness Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment for Their Relative.
abstract: This study explores the experiences of informal carers of people with mental illness in an Australian mental health service. A qualitative descriptive approach was used with data collected via focus group interviews with a purposive sample of 19 carers. Data analysis revealed two major themes: (a) "Something is not right" and (b) "Now we have a diagnosis." The carers noticed that there was something wrong with their relative before they received a diagnosis but were often hesitant to engage Mental Health services. Carers have trouble understanding if the problems they are witnessing are part of normal development, contemporary culture, or are symptoms of mental illness. Fear of stigma remains a barrier to accessing services and early diagnosis. Findings suggest a need to target support for informal carers in the period prior to and leading to the establishment of a mental health diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: a Monash University/The Alfred , School of Nursing and Midwifery , Melbourne , Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olasoji
authors.affiliation: b RMIT University, School of Health Sciences , Melbourne , Australia.|c University of Tasmania, School of Health Sciences , Hobart , Tasmania.
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maude
authors.affiliation: a Monash University/The Alfred , School of Nursing and Midwifery , Melbourne , Australia.
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McCauley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support