Guest lecture on The Role of Caregivers in the Management of Chronic Mental Illnesses

The Department of Psychology at SNDT Women’s University, Churchgate, recently hosted a guest lecture on The Role of Caregivers in the Management of Chronic Mental Illnesses, delivered by clinical psychologist Dr. Priyanka Jagtap. The session commenced with an introduction by Dr. Nilesh Thakre, Head of the Department of Psychology, followed by faculty member Ms. Takreem Malick, who set the stage for an insightful discussion. The event, attended by MA Psychology Part-II students specializing in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, was moderated by Dr. Thakre and Ms. Malick.

Dr. Jagtap began the session with a compelling video showcasing the dedication of caregivers worldwide, highlighting their sacrifices and unwavering support. This visual introduction underscored the profound emotional and physical demands of caregiving, framing it as an act of resilience and selflessness.

She then provided a historical overview of chronic mental illness, tracing the shift from institutionalization to community-based care. While deinstitutionalization promoted autonomy and social inclusion, it also exposed gaps in available resources. She discussed two primary treatment approaches: the symptom reduction model, which focuses on alleviating psychiatric symptoms, and the recovery-oriented approach, which emphasizes empowerment, personal growth, and overall well-being.

The discussion then turned to the pivotal role of caregivers in managing chronic mental illnesses. Dr. Jagtap highlighted the multifaceted nature of caregiving, which includes medication management, mobility assistance, emotional support, and monitoring patient progress. She emphasized that caregivers’ observations are crucial in shaping effective rehabilitation strategies.

A key aspect of the lecture focused on treatment adherence, noting that patients often struggle with insight into their conditions, leading to non-compliance. Similarly, caregivers lacking adequate awareness may experience heightened burden, increased stress, and a diminished quality of life. This dynamic can contribute to higher relapse rates and greater emotional distress within caregiving relationships.

Dr. Jagtap also addressed the stigma surrounding mental illness, asserting that misinformation continues to fuel negative perceptions. She advocated for greater mental health literacy to combat stigma and improve support systems for both patients and caregivers. She further explored the financial, psychosocial, and emotional toll of caregiving, emphasizing that the burden correlates with the severity of a patient’s symptoms. However, she also encouraged caregivers to recognize the positive aspects of their role, such as personal growth and resilience.

To support caregiver well-being, she recommended mindfulness practices, stress reduction techniques, and support networks. She also highlighted the importance of research initiatives focused on schizophrenia and other chronic conditions, drawing from her doctoral work on caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia.

The session concluded with a discussion on career opportunities for psychology students. Dr. Thakre expressed gratitude to Dr. Jagtap for her insightful presentation, and Ms. Malick delivered the vote of thanks. The lecture provided students with a deeper understanding of chronic mental illnesses and underscored the indispensable role of caregivers in the mental health care system.