Psychological Burden in Relatives of People with Mental Illness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a burden for most people - particular for those with mental illness and their families. The aim of the present study was to investigate specific burdens as well as coping strategies among relatives of people with mental illness. A questionnaire to assess Corona pandemic-related influences on burdens of relatives of people with mental illness was developed. A total of 228 relatives participated in the survey between March and June 2021. More than 87% of the relatives surveyed reported that they were burdened by the mental illness of their ill relatives. Many of the respondents subjectively described helpful coping strategies such as appreciation of healthy parts. In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, care structures and support services should also be sensitively aligned and continuously provided for relatives of people with mental illness.