Dos and Don'ts of Mental Illness

Dealing with mentally ill people can be as complicated as experiencing mental illness itself. Caregivers’ role becomes important as well as tricky in these situations. We have come up with simple guidelines for those who are having difficulties with handling a loved one who is mentally ill.

DEALING WITH THE ILLNESS

Do’s

Make sure the medicines are taken in your presence
Make sure to go for regular follow ups with the consulting doctor and therapist
Be neutral to the hallucinations and delusions if discussed by the patient to you
Help the patient maintain daily hygiene

Don’ts

Do not feel ashamed of the illness nor shame the patient for the same
Do not accept nor negate the hallucinations (hearing voices with no one around) and delusions (fixed, false belief) of the patient.
Do not let the patient alone be responsible for taking medicines
Do not stop medicines as soon as you start seeing improvement/any side effects without consulting the psychiatrist

COMMUNICATION

Do’s

Be respectful and calm
Keep a positive attitude
Keep clear communications
Be consistent in communication

Don’ts

Do not shout back at the patient
Do not be critical of the patient
Do not make fun of the patient
Do not threaten the patient

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR

Do’s

Accept the fact that the person has a legitimate illness which requires clinical care and attention.
Pay attention to warning signs of possible relapse & worsening of symptoms.
Maintain your safety.
Contact Hospital for help.
Keep a log of your loved one’s symptoms, responses to various medications, hospitalizations, etc.

Don’ts