Experiences of siblings of young people with a mental illness

Abstract

Background: Following the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services across Australia, the burden of care for people with a mental illness has fallen to a large extent to family caregivers. Research has shown that families struggle with access to appropriate mental health services and acquiring adequate and appropriate information and support. Mental illness is often diagnosed when the person is in adolescence and this has a great impact on the family and, in particular, siblings. Aim: The aim of this project was to explore the experiences of siblings of young people with a mental illness. Method: Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with six participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data: Lack of Support; Tacit approval for inappropriate behaviours; Being Anxious; The fabric of the Family. Subthemes were identified within each theme. Conclusion: Participants in this study need information and support, they protect and advocate for their sibling, they tend to be anxious and cautious and there are changes within the family that are life long. Better information about services and specific programs designed for siblings such as peer support programs would be helpful.