Caring for someone with mental illness

Taking on the role of caring for someone with a mental illness is a big commitment. It can be emotionally and physically demanding, but it can also be a rewarding experience.

To give the person you care for the best chance of recovery, it helps to learn how to support someone with a mental illness, gather as much reliable information as you can about their condition, stay open and honest with them, and, just as importantly, look after yourself.

Before you take on the role#

When you take on the role of carer, it is a good idea to think through what is involved and how it will affect your life. Try to:

• read about the specific mental illness and the treatment options available
• talk to others who have cared for someone in a similar situation
• think about the emotional, financial and practical support you will need

Look for trustworthy information from reputable health organisations, specialist books and well-run support websites. Encourage the person you care for to take an active part in their own recovery, and make a plan for who can step in if you ever need to be away.

Communicating with others#

As a carer, you will often be the link between the person you care for and their friends, family, and healthcare team. Try to keep these interactions as calm and stress-free as possible.

Family and friends may want regular updates on the person’s condition, medication and living situation, while the person themselves may want more privacy. Part of your role is to balance these wishes, respect the person’s confidentiality, and keep stress levels down for everyone.

Coping with a crisis#

Coping with crisis situations can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know what will help and what might make things worse.

When someone is in a mental health crisis, they may be feeling suicidal, experiencing severe anxiety, reacting to a difficult life event, or having a psychotic episode, or a combination of these. Some simple approaches can help you connect with a person in distress:

• introduce yourself calmly and clearly, and explain why you are there
• be polite and non-threatening, but also honest and direct
• listen to what they are saying without judgment
• avoid confrontation, and ask them what they see as the main problem
• avoid physical contact, except to prevent serious harm to themselves or others
• encourage them to talk to a mental health professional

Afterwards, it can help to debrief difficult experiences with counselling for yourself.

Caring for a parent with a mental illness#

If you are a young person helping to care for a parent, it is normal to have many different feelings, you might feel angry, confused or alone. It is important to look after your own needs too, and to keep up everyday activities such as going to school and seeing friends.

It can help to learn more about your parent’s illness and how to cope with it. There are many websites, helplines and services that can link you into support groups where you will meet others with similar experiences. Many of these resources are free, and you can usually reach a support line at any time. Above all, remember that you are not alone, many young people live with a parent who has a mental health condition.

Looking after yourself#

Being a carer can be emotionally and physically demanding, and sometimes the burden can become too much. To avoid burning out:

• set aside time for friends and family who are not involved
• do things you enjoy, such as gardening, going to the movies or exercising
• talk to people you trust when things are difficult, often, just talking things through makes them clearer and less overwhelming

If you are in good spirits and feel refreshed, you can offer better support. If you are concerned about the person’s privacy, talk to a healthcare professional instead, they can suggest useful strategies and further support services.

Know your limits#

Be clear about what you can take on and how available you can be. It is better to be a consistent, stable support than to be available all the time but constantly stressed. Set limits, and let the person know what you can do for them and what you cannot provide.

There are government and community programmes in many countries that offer support, counselling, respite care and advice. It can also help to:

• find out about any benefits or financial support you may be entitled to
• look for local or online training courses for carers
• join a carer support group to meet others in a similar situation

Stay safe#

Trust your instincts when caring for someone with a severe mental illness. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, remove yourself (and any children) from danger straight away. You can always call for help from somewhere safe.

Practical and financial support#

If you are looking after someone with a serious mental illness, there may be times when getting to work is difficult. You may need to be at hospital, stay with the person overnight, or be on hand to monitor their medications. Many governments offer financial assistance and home-support options for people who care for someone, and there may be help available with housing and accommodation. Ask your doctor or a local health service how to connect with the support available in your area.

Key points#

• Do some research into the type of mental illness and the different treatments available.
• Know your limits, and be a consistent, stable support rather than an over-stretched one.
• If you are caring for someone with a mental illness, remember that you are not alone, support is available.

Where to get help and trusted information#

For evidence-based global health guidance, see Source: World Health Organization (WHO).