Family Support Group to Reduce Loneliness in Caregiver of Mental Health Disorders Patients
Introduction: Caring for patients with mental health disorders causes loneliness in caregivers. Therefore, interventions are needed to reduce the level of loneliness in caregivers of patients with mental health disorders. This literature review study aims to determine the effectiveness of family support groups in reducing loneliness in caregivers of patients with mental health disorders. Methods: This study used the ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases and were searched using the following keywords family support group AND reduce AND loneliness AND caregiver And Mental Health Disorder in filtered journals published in 2013-2023. Results: Caregivers of mental health patients experience the main psychosocial problem, namely loneliness in the process of caring for patients with mental health disorders. Loneliness in caregivers of patients with mental health disorders is caused by stigma which causes feelings of isolation, disconnection, and lack of social relationships, increased stress, and emotional tension. Family support groups can reduce the level of loneliness in caregivers of patients with mental health disorders. Conclusion: Family group support intervention creates effective coping so that the cognitive control network in processing socio-affective information becomes a reflection. This stimulates the reduction of thoughts and perceptions which have an impact on reducing feelings of loneliness.
Keywords: Caregiver, Family Support Group, Loneliness, Mental Health Disorder, Reduce
INTRODUCTION
Mental health is a major component of public health that is experiencing a critical increase with an estimated 19% of the world's population suffering from mental health disorders each year[1]. Mental health problems are not only experienced by patients with mental health disorders but are also experienced by families as caregivers[2]. The role of the family as caregivers in the process of caring for patients with mental health disorders is the key to determining the success of the patient's recovery and accompanying the patient in carrying out daily life[3].
Mental health disorders cause psychosocial problems in patient caregivers, especially feelings of loneliness[4]. Victor et al., (2021) explained that almost half of the respondents in their study, 43.7% of caregivers experienced moderate loneliness and 17.7% experienced severe loneliness in caring for patients with mental health disorders. The high incidence of loneliness in caregivers in families with mental health patients requires intervention to reduce it.
Several interventions that implement support groups have significantly reduced feelings of loneliness in individuals[6]. Research Haslam et al., (2016), on the application of group support through online programs to young adults with affective disorders shows that there is a significant reduction in loneliness. In addition, support groups for community residents with depressive symptoms who are on outpatient services in Chinese clinics experience a decrease in feelings of loneliness[8]. Group support is a widely applied and effective intervention in reducing loneliness.
The family is the most important caregiver in the care of patients with mental health disorders who feel lonely[3]. Many interventions have been conducted to reduce loneliness, but there has been little research on the effectiveness of family-focused support groups. Thus, researchers are interested in exploring the effectiveness of family support groups in reducing loneliness in caregivers of patients with mental health disorders.
REVIEW
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Family support groups are forums or initiatives specifically designed to provide support, understanding, and social interaction for family members who have similar experiences in dealing with specific challenges. The group aims to create a safe space where family members can share their experiences, emotions, and knowledge to support each other[9]. Family members can share coping strategies, useful resources, and their own experiences in caring for and assisting individuals with mental health disorders. Additionally, families can gain encouragement, inspiration, and hope from the successes of others in facing similar challenges[10]. Family support groups can be conducted in various forms, such as face-to-face meetings, online meetings, or through social media platforms. It is important to seek trustworthy and well-controlled support groups where family members can feel comfortable and safe to share their experiences.
Family support plays a significant role in caring for patients with mental disorders. Family support refers to the efforts and resources provided by family members to individuals with mental disorders to help, support, and improve their well-being. Family support can encompass various aspects, including emotional, practical, and informational support[2]. Emotional support involves providing support, understanding, and acceptance to family members caring for patients with mental disorders. This process includes listening, acknowledging their feelings, and providing a safe space to discuss the challenges and burdens they experience[3]. Practical support can take the form of physical assistance in caring for the patient, such as helping with daily activities, organizing care schedules, or providing financial assistance. This support can help reduce the physical burden and tasks borne by family caregivers, allowing them to focus on the necessary care for the patient[2]. In addition, informational support consists of accurate knowledge and information about the mental disorder faced by the patient. This includes understanding symptoms, treatments, care strategies, and available resources. Informational support can help family members feel more prepared and capable in caring for patients with mental disorders.[11]
Studies in Asian countries have shown that about 70% of patients with chronic mental disorders live with their relatives and family members, who oversee taking care of these patients. The families’ responses and functions about the presence of a mentally ill patient and the pressures are not the same. Looking after patients with chronic mental disorders creates emotional burnout and might have destructive mental and spiritual effects on the caregivers. Family members play a key role in providing care and treatment to members with mental disorders[12]. Family members should be involved as a natural part of the mental health care team for the patient. In addition to standard treatment, mental health care professionals should facilitate an environment for families to share their beliefs about the illness and bring forth family strengths[1].
LONELINESS IN CAREGIVERS OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS PATIENTS
Loneliness is a distressing feeling where one’s desired and actual social relationships do not match. This is different from social isolation and occurs when a person feels lacking in their relationships. Loneliness often affects human health, indicating unsatisfying social relationships lead to adverse consequences. Being lonely can contribute to changes in one’s behavior and physiology, leading to serious adverse health implications and mortality. Those who are reported to be lonely are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. One study found that loneliness predicted increased depressive symptoms, decreased self-rated health, and additional functional limitations[4].
Loneliness in caregivers refers to the experience of feeling isolated, disconnected, or lacking meaningful social
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