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Supporting a Relative With Mental Illness

Supporting someone with mental illness can leave relatives feeling isolated, powerless, guilty, and exhausted. Because mental illness can affect everyday functioning, relatives may gradually take on more responsibilities, sometimes compensating for gaps in professional care.

Psychiatrist Ulla-Karin Nyberg emphasizes that relatives are important, but they cannot be responsible for another person’s entire life.

Strategies for Relatives

• Seek support early. Professional guidance can help clarify your role and what should be handled by healthcare services. Support may be available from municipal family consultants, the national family line, nonprofit organizations, and primary-care counsellors.
• Look after your wellbeing. Notice when stress is approaching your limit and make time to recover. As with the oxygen-mask analogy, caring for yourself helps you support someone else over time.
• Set boundaries and share responsibility. Talk with your loved one about what they can manage themselves, how you can help, and what healthcare professionals can provide.
• Keep trying to connect without forcing it. If your relative is not ready to talk, ask whether they might speak with someone else or whether you can check in again later.
• Make room for life beyond the illness. Take breaks, pursue enjoyable activities, and talk with other people. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can reduce isolation and provide practical advice.
• Recognize your own needs without guilt. Prioritizing yourself may feel uncomfortable, but it can help prevent you from becoming depleted.

When Suicide Is a Concern

For relatives of someone who is thinking about suicide or has attempted suicide, supportive relationships can make a difference. At the same time, one person cannot carry sole responsibility for another person’s life.

Presenter and Source

• Psychiatrist Ulla-Karin Nyberg
• Nyhetsmorgon (TV4)