The Lived Experience of Parent Caregivers of Adolescents with Mental Illness: A Phenomenological Study

Background: The challenges faced by parents of adolescents with mental disorders are profound andmultifaceted. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences and concerns of parents ofadolescents with mental disorders in Oman.Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed in this study. In-depth interviewswere done with twenty caregivers from June 2021 to the end of December 2022. Data collectioncontinued until saturation was reached, ensuring a thorough understanding of the phenomena underinvestigation, and thematic analysis was applied to identify and examine the recurring patterns withinthe data.Results: Three primary themes emerged from the data analysis including Emotional Burden and Guilt,Treatment Concerns, and Fear of the Future. Parents’ experiences during their adolescents’ diagnosisrevealed a profound emotional struggle, encompassing anxiety, frustration, and occasional confusionas they grappled with understanding their children’s illness and navigating unpredictable behaviors.The exploration of seeking treatment highlighted the complexity of their experiences. However, apersistent sense of uncertainty regarding their children’s future was a consistent thread irrespective ofthe chosen treatment path.Conclusion: This study aimed to investigate the complex challenges faced by caregivers of adolescentssuffering from mental disorders, underscoring the vital need for tailored interventions and robustsupport systems to address these intricate issues. The findings highlight the importance of heightenedawareness, improved access to psychotherapeutic resources, and comprehensive caregiver support.