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Supporting Family Caregivers of People Living With Mental Health, Addiction, and Other Issues: Narrative Review of Canadian and International Intervention Studies

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Abstract

Providing care for family member with mental health issues can negatively impact one’s wellbeing. Interventions to support family caregivers have the potential to reduce stress and depressive symptoms, and to improve overall wellbeing. We reviewed recent studies on innovative and promising interventions for caregivers. While no single intervention proved most effective, we provide a review of several successful interventions including psychoeducation, therapy and counseling, support groups, mindfulness and meditation, self-help, and multicomponent, individually tailored or community based interventions. Further research on interventions that are tailored to individuals or cultural groups are necessary, especially for caregivers from marginalized or stigmatized communities.

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Acknowledgements

The research for this article was in part supported by the Mental Health Commission of Canada with funding from Health Canada. However, the views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada nor of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The authors want to thank Anissa Mumin for assisting with editing the final reference list.

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Coulombe, S., Krzesni, D.A., Jones, S. et al. Supporting Family Caregivers of People Living With Mental Health, Addiction, and Other Issues: Narrative Review of Canadian and International Intervention Studies. J. Psychosoc. Rehabil. Ment. Health 5, 183–197 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-018-0125-1

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