The lived experience of caring for someone with bipolar disorder: A qualitative study

Being a close family member or friend of someone with bipolar disorder (BD) can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms related to the burden of caring, yet the lived experience of BD carers has received limited research attention. This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences of informal carers for someone with BD and to determine what additional information and support carers need to care for themselves and the person they support. Fifteen qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with carers discussing their lived experiences, coping strategies, and supporting someone with BD. Thematic analysis identified five key themes: separation of the person and the disorder; carer health and coping strategies; unpredictability and variability of symptoms; carer disillusionment and silencing; and story sharing and support needs. Findings highlight the need for increased in-person and online support specifically tailored for carers of people with BD.