“Blood is thicker than water” - experiences and perspectives of family caregivers of people living with severe mental illness at Holy Water traditional healing sites, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The study shows that families in Ethiopia face a protracted and heavy caregiver burden in their caretaking duties, often in isolation, with a severe lack of formal biological treatment and psychosocial support. Informal assistance and mutual support form part of the culturally shaped support networks, but there are on-going challenges. Innovative programs with collaborative approach show some promise. More development of community mental health services and support are urgently needed.