The Role of Caregivers for People with Mental Illness

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Important information about the role of caregiver for someone with a mental illness.

Has a friend/relative been diagnosed with a mental illness? Do you find yourself caring for your friend or relative? Are you unsure how best to help? Do you know where to get help for yourself or for your friend or relative? Are you looking after yourself? The following tips give some suggestions and guidelines that will help you and assist you to be a better support to your friend or relative facing a mental illness.

How do you feel?

Caring for someone with a mental illness is a complex and demanding role, and it is normal for carers to experience a range of feelings about it. Initially, you may experience disbelief ("This can't be happening"). Later, you may develop seemingly conflicting feelings of anger, shame and love. It's important to know this is normal, and that no feelings are right or wrong. Typical emotions include:

• Guilt - You may feel responsible for the illness but no one is to blame. You may feel guilty about not wanting to be a carer, or perhaps think, "I'm not doing enough."
• Shame - The stigma around mental illness can cause embarrassment. You may worry about what others think.

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• Fear - It is normal to fear for the person's future or to worry about what will happen to him or her if you can't cope.
• Anger/frustration - You may feel frustrated with being a carer, or angry that others don't pitch in. You may think, "My friend/relative doesn't appreciate what I do or what I have sacrificed for them."
• Sadness - You may grieve for the loss of the relationship as it was, and the life you once knew. You may feel sad about the loss of opportunities and plans for both yourself and your friend/relative.
• Love - Your love for your friend/relative may deepen and you may feel very motivated to help.

  Your feelings and motivation may change over time. In the early stages of caring for someone people often focus on gathering information and finding their way through the mental health system. As acceptance and understanding grow, many long-term carers find that their attention turns to a more political focus such as lobbying and advocacy.

How do I understand what is happening?

Mental illness is a broad term used to describe many conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. These illnesses can affect every part of a person's life including work, relationships and leisure.

There are many myths about mental illness. What you have heard may not be true so it is best to find out the facts.

Remember that people with mental illness are not defined by their illness. They still have likes, dislikes, opinions, talents and skills. They are mothers, brothers, friends, colleagues etc. Their rights and individuality need to be respected.

a) Understanding the illness

A mental illness, like a physical illness, is treatable. Learning about the mental illness may ease fears about the unknown or unfamiliar. It is important to find out about:

• The features of the illness
  Gather information from family doctors, psychiatrists, mental health organizations and internet sites. Keep a diary of any problems or symptoms you need to ask about. Find out the warning signs of relapse.
• Treatment options
  These may include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, group programs, self-help approaches, stress management etc. With each of these, make sure you understand what is being offered and how it will help. Think about combining treatments. Keep a diary and write down questions as you think of them and add the answers when you have them.