MENTAL HEALTH OF FAMILY MEMBERS/CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: A PSYCHOSOCIAL VIEW

Abstract

The mental health of caregivers of people with disabilities (PwD), who are usually family members, is a topic of increasing relevance, given the important role these individuals play in providing daily support and care. Caring for a person with disabilities can be a very rewarding experience, but it also poses significant challenges. The physical, emotional, and psychological stress resulting from daily responsibilities can lead to mental and emotional exhaustion among caregivers. This study aims to investigate the psychological impact faced by family members and caregivers of people with disabilities, using a comprehensive literature review as a methodology, i.e., a bibliographic search. Through this approach, several impacts on these caregivers were identified, including stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional overload. However, it was observed that coping strategies, such as social support and self-care, play a crucial role in mitigating these negative effects. In addition, the importance of targeted psychological interventions, such as psychosocial support programs, in improving the mental health of these individuals was explored. The urgent need for such interventions to promote more sustainable and compassionate caregiving was highlighted. When discussing the results found, we emphasize the importance of implementing measures that aim not only at the well-being of people with disabilities, but also at that of their caregivers, thus recognizing the complexity and importance of the role played by the latter in society.