Abstract
Considering the challenges of social reintegration and the composition of care strategies in a context of liberty, this study aims to analyze the narratives of family members of voice hearers regarding their experiences as caregivers from a psychosocial perspective. Narrative interviews were conducted with family members of individuals attending a group of voice hearers at a Psychosocial Care Center in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three thematic axes were obtained from the thematic analysis of interview data: (1) experience of hearing voices and the need for care; (2) family: care practices; and (3) therapeutic strategies: weaving care networks in mental health. Caregivers report difficulties in living with family members who hear voices, care-related work overload, and challenges faced in daily life. In this context, the results stress the importance of mutual aid groups in supporting caregivers.
Keywords:
family; caregivers; voice hearers; mental health