This paper aims to investigate the impact on the lives of carer mothers of a son or daughter with a schizophrenic disorder. Twelve participants were questioned in a semi-structured interview, and their stories were reviewed by means of an analysis of the thematic content. The data showed seven themes relating to different moments, each one with specific demands and emotional responses: alienation; the stigma of mental disorder; seeking psychiatric help; diagnosis; resisting medical treatment; life changes; acceptance or resignation. The findings showed the following: Living with a chronic mental disorder, for the participants of this study, was associated with a severe disruption in their lives; the burden of care was different at different moments of the course of the schizophrenia; the emotional acceptance of the son's or daughter's situation was very hard, even many years after diagnosis.
Carers; Schizophrenia; Family; Mothers