Suggestions for dealing with your emotions and feelings:

1. Accept the mental illness and its difficult consequences. This is easier said than done; however, research suggests that families who deal most successfully with a mentally ill relative are those who can find a way to accept them fully.

2. Develop realistic expectations for the mentally ill person and yourself. Do not expect to always feel happy and accept your right to have your feelings. Feelings are a normal process. Often families experience guilt and other emotions which they try to repress or pretend do not exist. This can only result in emotions and feelings building up and often other physical or emotional problems arising. Remember, adjusting to mental illness for you and your loved one takes time, patience and a supportive environment. Also, recovery is slow sometimes. So it is best to support your loved one by praising him/her for small achievements. Try not to expect too much or that your mentally ill family member will return to their previous level of functioning too quickly. Some people can return to work or school, etc., quite quickly, and others may not be able to. Comparing your situation with others can be very frustrating, and we suggest that you keep in mind that what works for someone else may not work for you or your loved one. This will help to reduce frustration.

3. Accept all the help and support you can get.

4. Develop a positive attitude and even better, keep a sense of humor.

5. Join a support group

6. Take care of yourself - seek out counseling and support.

7. Do healthy activities like hobbies, recreation, vacations, etc.

8. Eat right, exercise, and stay healthy.

9. Stay optimistic.

Experts on mental illness believe that new research discoveries are bringing deeper understanding of mental illness, which are resulting in even more effective treatments.

Continue reading for what families can do to help.

Suggestions for what families can do to help a mentally ill family member:

1. Assist your family member to find effective medical treatment. To find a psychiatrist, you may contact your own medical doctor or check with NAMI. You may also call or write the American Psychiatric Association.

2. Seek consultation regarding financial consideration for treatment. You may call your local Social Security office and check with your family member's health insurance. Often quality treatment is not pursued because of financial considerations.

3. Learn as much as you can about the mental illness with which your family member has been diagnosed.

4. Recognize warning signs of relapse.

5. Find ways to handle symptoms of schizoaffective disorder or other mental illness. Some suggestions are: Try not to argue with your loved one if they have their hallucinations or delusions (as the person believes it is real); do not make fun of or criticize them; and especially do not act alarmed. The more calm you can be, the better it is.

6. Be happy with slow progress and allow your loved one to feel O. K. with a little success.

7. If your family member is out of control or suicidal (harm to self or others), stay calm and call 911. Do not try to handle it alone.

next: Schizoaffective Disorder: The Disease