Caring for Those with Mental Illness

Jason T
May 10
3 min read

Caring for your mental health and those with mental illness.

Caring for Those with Mental Illness: A Guide for Caregivers and Nursing Students

Mental illness is not a life sentence of exile, belittlement, or shame—it is a different way of seeing and interacting with the world. Like a child gazing into a kaleidoscope, the shifting colors and patterns seen through unique brain chemistry reflect the vibrant diversity of human experience. For caregivers, understanding this perspective is the first step toward compassion, healing, and empowerment.

Brain versus Kaleidoscope to aid those with mental illness. — **Your Brain versus a** ***Kaleidoscope***

Recognizing the Reality of Mental Illness

Mental illness comes in many forms—Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, Bipolar, and more. These conditions affect mood, perception, behavior, and interpersonal relationships.

But they do not define a person’s worth, intelligence, or potential. They are simply part of that person’s journey. A diagnosis is not a limitation—it’s a lens.

When a Loved One Expresses Suicidal Ideation or Threats

If someone expresses suicidal thoughts or behaviors:

Stay calm and listen non-judgmentally.
Ask directly: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" This opens a door, not a trap.
Remove access to means if possible (medications, weapons, etc.).
Do not leave them alone if there's an immediate risk.
Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency department.
Encourage long-term supports like therapy, crisis lines, and safety planning.

Remember, asking about suicide does not plant the idea—it creates safety.

Caring for Those with BPD, ODD, Schizophrenia, and Other Diagnoses

Each condition presents its own set of challenges:

BPD: Emotional instability, fear of abandonment, intense relationships. Use consistent boundaries, validation, and DBT-informed skills.
ODD: Defiance and irritability in youth. Provide structure, calm correction, and positive reinforcement.
Schizophrenia: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts. Ensure medical adherence, calm communication, and avoid confrontation during episodes.

The most powerful tool you have is empathy—your ability to show them they are not alone or broken.

Caring Without Burnout

As a caregiver or nursing student, it’s easy to give everything and forget about yourself. But your compassion has a limit if it's not replenished.

Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no, to rest, to take a break.
Seek support: Professional counseling, peer groups, or supervision can keep you grounded.
Practice emotional regulation: Deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, grounding techniques.
Stay educated: Understanding the diagnosis helps remove fear and blame.

You can’t pour from an empty cup—self-care is not selfish.

Differently Abled, Not Disabled

Let’s reframe our lens: People with mental illness are not broken. They are wired differently. Their perspectives are often more vivid, more passionate, more sensitive—and these traits, though challenging in certain contexts, can be gifts.

Let us stop using “normal” as a benchmark. Instead, let's build a society that accommodates all neural pathways—just as we build ramps for wheelchairs, we must create emotional ramps for those with mental illness.

Promoting Generational Healing

Too often, Generational Trauma is passed down through untreated mental illness, silence, or shame. But caregivers—especially trained, informed, and compassionate ones—have the power to break that cycle.

By learning emotional regulation, by modeling respect and empathy, and by encouraging access to care, we can promote Generational Healing—a legacy of resilience, not pain.

Generational Healing starts with you. — **Generational Healing starts with YOU!**

Final Thoughts

Every person is a kaleidoscope of thoughts, emotions, and stories. And through the eyes of mental illness, the world may look distorted or beautiful—but always different.

As caregivers, our job is not to "fix" someone to fit society—it’s to help them live, thrive, and feel safe being themselves.

Let us be the generation that chooses understanding over stigma, and healing over harm.

✨ Remember: Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's a crucial part of becoming the best nurse you can be.

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”