Description of the Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers for People With Mental Health Comorbidities

Mental health problems such as depression, trauma and anxiety are common in low-resource contexts, such as Zambia. Comorbidity, or having multiple mental health problems, is the norm. Family or friends often care for these individuals in the home. Providing care often leads to disrupted social life, financial hardships and emotional stress. Extant research shows mental health concerns were exacerbated by COVID-19, however, very little is known about the experiences of family caregivers in Zambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project aims to describe the lived experiences of family caregivers, including challenges, self-directed coping skills, and access to services and resources.