Lived experiences of informal caregivers of adolescents with bipolar disorder at Masaka regional referral hospital

Bipolar disorder (BD) among adolescents exacerbates physical, mental, and social challenges, resulting in strained relationships with family and friends. The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of informal caregivers of adolescents with BD at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. A qualitative phenomenological design, guided by van Manen's approach, was employed to understand the lived experiences of 11 informal caregivers of adolescents with BD. Data were analyzed using van Manen's six-step framework. Five key themes emerged: navigating complexities, hidden struggles of caregiving, caregiver relationships, support networks, and stigma. Informal caregivers experienced struggles, stigma, and a lack of family support, compounded by insufficient psychoeducation about BD. However, the community and mental health workers were very supportive. Thus, there is a need to prioritize the provision of psychoeducation about BD among adolescents and their family members to help improve the family support and involvement in care.