‘When do I live?’ What caring for a relative with schizophrenia costs families

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.