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Caregiving for loved
ones with mental
health challenges
Beverley Francis-Gibson
The onset of a mental illness in any family is often, and
understandably, a time of turmoil. Most families report
feeling ill prepared to deal with the initial onset of a major
mental illness in a loved one. Families generally have little
prior knowledge of mental illness, and find that they not
only have to deal with the upheaval that often accompanies
the disease, but that many of the natural supports that they
have come to rely on in difficult times are no longer available
to them in their time of need. This is often due to a lack of
awareness, and often stigma, about mental illness among
typical supports such as extended family members, friends,
or co-workers.
Initially, when a loved one is diagnosed with a mental illness
you may act more like a care partner, than a caregiver. Key
tips are:
• You should learn as much as you can about their mental illness;
educate yourself by using online resources or organizations in
the community
• Learn appropriate problem solving skills: defining the problem,
solving the problem and setting limits
• Communication skills: learn how to be clear, how to respond and
talking to the person behind the symptoms of mental illness
• Develop strategies for you and for your loved one
Your role is one of support, love and companionship. You are
there to help with daily life, as needed, and to help the person
with the mental illness plan for the future.
Tap into the person’s strengths and encourage him or her to
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