Whose Life Am I Living? Relatives Living in the Shadow of Depression

Background: Families living with mental illness experience added burden and need information and support. Aim: This aim of this study was to explore the experiences of families living close to a depressed individual. Methods: Eighteen persons were interviewed individually or in focus groups. Data was analysed using a grounded theory-inspired methodology. Results: Most participants expressed a feeling of not living their own life, struggling to balance relationships, adapting to and re-evaluating their life circumstances, and struggling to voice their ill relatives' and their own needs. Conclusions: More can be done to help and sustain hope in the relatives of persons with depression.