Meaning of Health from the Perspective of Family Member Caregiver of Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Background and Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe illness that has a serious impact on the lives of those affected and on their families. Today’s, families of individuals with bipolar disorders are actively participating in the care of their relative and Successful management of the patients in the community relies significantly on family caregivers health. The aim of this study was to explain the meaning of health based on the experience of family member’s caregivers of adult patients with bipolar disorder. In a qualitative research of phenomenological methodology, the family member's caregivers of bipolar disorder in farshian psychiatric hospital in Hamedan were selected by purposive sampling in the year 2010. By reaching data saturation the number of participant was 12. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed by "Van manen" method Six main themes with 14 subthemes were identified in this study analysis: living hell, Emotional exhaustion, Self-neglect, Condemned to isolation and Feelings of shame This study underlines the importance of strengthening support holistically for family members caregivers living with a person with BD. Support and interventions concerning these families’ health have to be developed and should be provided by all mental health-care services.