Constructions of carer identity for people supporting someone with depressive or anxiety symptoms: a qualitative study

Objective: Research examining mental health carers’ perceptions of their role and adoption of the carer label is rare, and non-existent for carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptoms specifically. This study aimed to understand how carers of people with depressive or anxiety symptoms perceive their identity, how they interpret the carer label and the implications of role ambiguity. Method: Using a phenomenological qualitative design, 14 carers of people with depressive or anxiety symptoms participated in semi-structured interviews between June 2022 and July 2022. Reflexive thematic analysis of transcribed interview data identified four themes. Results: Carers defined their identity based on their primary objective of supporting the care recipient to lead an independent life. Carers reported that the carer label had a diminishing effect on the care recipient’s independence, which served as a barrier to carers adopting the term and self-identifying as carers. In the initial phases of caring, carers attributed their negative experiences to role ambiguity. Over time, for some carers, role ambiguity enabled deeper relationships and personal growth. Discussion: Adopting the carer label is challenging for this carer group. Barriers to self-identification may limit accessibility and demand for appropriate resources and services. Future research into carer identity is still required.