Overload and Strategies to Face the Families of People With Mental Disorder in the Face of the Health Process- Disease: A Review of Literature

Abstract

The family is the main support network for patients in psychological distress, however, in daily professional life, family members are overloaded. The study aims to present the knowledge produced about the burden on caregivers of people with mental disorders and recognize family members' coping strategies when faced with the health-disease process. This is a literature review carried out in the MEDLINE, LILACS, SCIELO and PEPSIC databases. 11 articles available in full were included, published between 2013 and 2023. It was evident that caregivers changed family dynamics, gave up professional and social life, as well as leisure activities. Coping strategies include using faith, seeking social and group support, using medication, trying to solve the problem, accepting responsibilities, positive reassessment, escape, avoidance and attempts at family integration. The importance of supporting caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders is evident, and it is essential to implement support programs for caregivers of these patients within the scope of the psychosocial care network.