‘When do I live?’ What caring for a relative with schizophrenia costs families
A study published in BMC Psychiatry highlights the significant emotional and financial burdens placed on family caregivers of people with schizophrenia in South Africa. The research emphasizes the lack of support for those who sacrifice their own livelihoods to care for relatives with severe mental health conditions.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the often-overlooked 'hidden' costs of mental health care, which disproportionately affect low-income families and caregivers.
A 32-year-old man in the Eastern Cape asked us this question while crying as he described taking care of his younger brother, who has schizophrenia .
The man was talking about the sacrifices he makes for his brother and the other relatives he supports. Winter was coming, he said, and he needed to buy things for them. Sometimes, he has to buy necessities like food and clothing on credit.
“I sacrifice stuff for my siblings,” he told us.
I have thought about that question many times since we talked to him and other family members who care for those living with severe mental conditions such as schizophrenia, a chronic and highly stigmatised mental health condition that changes how people perceive reality.
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