Face reality. Don't feel guilty

If one of your family members is diagnosed with a mental disorder, you should face problems and seek professional assistance from public health nurses in health centers, social workers in social bureaus and district offices, and psychiatric clinics at public and private hospitals or clinics. Some caregivers will berate themselves for not taking care of the patient well enough, and cause the onset of disease. Such a mindset will prevent caregivers from establishing appropriate norms of behavior and reasonable expectations of the patient when he/she has behavioral problems.

All family members should share responsibility and care

All family members should share the care responsibility, rather than passing the buck to one family alone. Family members should discuss and develop care plans together that fit in with the family life. It is important to coordinate the different expectations of the patients the family members have in advance, so that patients are not confused by conflicting expectations.

Recognize and utilize social resources

Psychiatric patients are also part of society. Families should seek the help of social workers and various resources provided by government agencies or non-governmental organizations in order to effectively support the patients through their recovery from the disorder.

Actively participate in parental groups at hospitals and other related institutions

Family members of psychiatric patients are encouraged to participate in family activities organized by hospitals or other services for psychiatric patients, such as workshops or speeches. Not only can they learn how to take care of patients, but through organized groups, family members can get to know the families of other psychiatric patients, exchange experiences and thoughts with each other, and discuss with each other on how to strive for various rights and benefits for patients. This enhances their confidence and ability to take care of patients.

Enlist the support of relatives, friends and neighbors

Love this family member stricken by the disorder. He/she needs love and care. Don't be ashamed or afraid of having a mental patient in your family. For relatives, friends and neighbors, we can actively inform them about the patient's condition, which will not only help to ease their concerns, but also gain their acceptance and support.

If, after the explanation, other people still do not learn to respect and tolerate, or hold prejudices against the mentally ill patient, family members need not feel uneasy about it.

Working with patients can often help you overcome helplessness and disappointment

Accept the patient's current situation. Do not overprotect, interfere with or criticize the patient. Instead, let the patient moderately assume responsibilities and obligations, such as helping with housework, so that he/she can achieve success and gain satisfaction in helping.

Take care of yourself

Family members must take care of their own health, reduce the sense of shame for the disease, and maintain a calm mood in order to take care of patients. When you are sad, annoyed and angry, you may as well find a trusted relative and friend to talk about your troubles, or join a rehabilitation or family association. When you see that many people have the same situation as you do, you will no longer feel lonely.

When there is a mental patient in the family, it often brings great psychological pressure and life burden to the family. Most families will go through a rather long and difficult mental journey from knowing that their families are mentally ill to fully accepting the fact. Let us accompany you through this bumpy ride!