Living under the Mental Roof

Now why did I say that? What was I trying to say? What I really meant was the situation of living under the same roof as a family member diagnosed with mental illness. What did it felt like? What do caregivers have to deal with?

Firstly, what is mental mental illness? Also known as mental disorder, it is a psychological or behavioral pattern that occurs in an individual that is not expected as part of normal development or culture. It can cover psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, etc.

This is no joke. Such topic should not be taken lightly. Once of the hardest part to deal with is that we cannot talk to them the same way we would to others. We cannot blame them for the things they do. Patience and being sensitive to them is important as there is no point point reasoning with them most of the time. Such are normally the advise medical experts would advise caregivers to do. But how long can a caregiver go down the line.

I would agree to the statement the prevention is better than cure. More attention should also be given to caregivers by other members of the families and friends. They are at a higher risk of stumbling into this category of people due to the higher stress levels. Such stress levels differ depending on the individual that is being cared for. Even though the individual with such disorder may not think the same way a normal person would, often they do understand and once they are being 'pampered', ie. giving in to their way simply because they are 'unwell' - it would be a habit.

Not everyone can get well using the same method. There is absolutely no 'Standard Procedures' to help in the healing process of all. Each has a unique method and it is up to us, to identify, learn and possibly help them to rid this problem. But then again, this are all just what I think and feel. I can't expect the whole world to agree with me, can I?