Question 1

Observe the 3Ps – Patience, Perseverance & Prayer

Accepted Answer

In caring for your loved ones with mental illness, it’s important to observe the 3Ps – Patience, Perseverance and Prayer.

Question 2

Medication compliance

Accepted Answer

Many patients suffering from mental illness have relapses because they don’t take their medications faithfully. It is very important that caregivers ensure that the patient takes his/her medications every day. One of the best ways to ensure that the medications are taken correctly is to make a list of the medications that is prescribed and display it in an area where the tablets are stored. If necessary, indicate the colour of the medicines and a brief description of it. Then place the supply in small containers and label them accordingly – morning, afternoon and night.

Question 3

A big NO, NO to taking slimming pills

Accepted Answer

Due to some side effects of the medications, some patients may put on weight. As a result, patients, especially ladies who are conscious of their figure, may resort to taking slimming pills. This should not be encouraged as slimming pills can affect the mind and even trigger a relapse of their mental illness. Instead, regular exercise that could include brisk walks at lunch time and jogging after work are far better.

Question 4

Don’t criticise, empathise

Accepted Answer

All of us have feelings and are sensitive. Psychiatric patients too, have feelings and can easily get hurt. Some could be hyper-sensitive, so we should not criticise them when they are not in control of their minds. Instead, empathise with them as they go through their treatment.

Question 5

Bring music and laughter into their lives

Accepted Answer

Bring humour into the lives of psychiatric patients. Bring them to watch a humorous movie. Crack a joke at the start of the day and the rest of the day will be a happier one.

Research has also shown that listening to music can effectively promote relaxation and overall mental health as it reduces muscle tension and stress.

Question 6

Have sufficient rest and sleep

Accepted Answer

Sufficient sleep helps the body and mind to relax and gives patients the energy to start a brand new day without feeling too drowsy from the effects of the medications. On the other hand, sleeping too much can be unhealthy as it can make patients lethargic and lose interest in daily activities.

Question 7

Avoid crowded places when they are unwell

Accepted Answer

Caregivers should avoid bringing their loved ones who are heading for a relapse to crowded places, as they can become fearful and tend to imagine that “people are talking about them.” This was part of the hallucinations Doris experienced when she was unwell.

Question 8

Install double-glazed windows in the sleeping area

Accepted Answer

Doris found it irritating when there was excessive noise and would frown and express her displeasure. When there is excessive noise, Doris was at high risk of falling into a relapse. So I installed doubled-glazed windows that reduced the noise to 50%.

Question 9

Accepted Answer

Question 10

Keep the person free from seeing or reading negative things

Accepted Answer

Persons suffering from mental illness should not read or see negative things. Instead, they should be encouraged to read articles on the arts and happy events. Humorous movies or television shows that are comical will encourage patients to stay happy.

Question 11

Watch out for warning signs

Accepted Answer

Caregivers must stay alert and look out for any early warning signs that their loved ones display. For example, when my wife took too long to bathe or when she complained of headaches and could not sleep for more than two days, I knew that all was not well. At those times, I quickly brought her to see the psychiatrist who would then adjust her medications.

Question 12

Hide your own feelings when you are sad, as their recovery will be slow

Accepted Answer

Even though caregivers may be heartbroken to see their loved ones hospitalised, it is best not to cry or display any sadness in front of them, as such emotions will not help in their recovery.

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Let's make caregiving a noble job

In caring for your loved ones with mental illness, it’s important to observe the 3Ps – Patience, Perseverance and Prayer.

All of us have feelings and are sensitive. Psychiatric patients too, have feelings and can easily get hurt. Some could be hyper-sensitive, so we should not criticise them when they are not in control of their minds. Instead, empathise with them as they go through their treatment.

Bring humour into the lives of psychiatric patients. Bring them to watch a humorous movie. Crack a joke at the start of the day and the rest of the day will be a happier one.

Research has also shown that listening to music can effectively promote relaxation and overall mental health as it reduces muscle tension and stress.

Sufficient sleep helps the body and mind to relax and gives patients the energy to start a brand new day without feeling too drowsy from the effects of the medications. On the other hand, sleeping too much can be unhealthy as it can make patients lethargic and lose interest in daily activities.

Caregivers should avoid bringing their loved ones who are heading for a relapse to crowded places, as they can become fearful and tend to imagine that “people are talking about them.” This was part of the hallucinations Doris experienced when she was unwell.

Doris found it irritating when there was excessive noise and would frown and express her displeasure. When there is excessive noise, Doris was at high risk of falling into a relapse. So I installed doubled-glazed windows that reduced the noise to 50%.

Persons suffering from mental illness should not read or see negative things. Instead, they should be encouraged to read articles on the arts and happy events. Humorous movies or television shows that are comical will encourage patients to stay happy.

Even though caregivers may be heartbroken to see their loved ones hospitalised, it is best not to cry or display any sadness in front of them, as such emotions will not help in their recovery.

Let's make caregiving a noble job

​​In caring for your loved ones with mental illness, it’s important to observe the 3Ps – Patience, Perseverance and ​Prayer.

​​All of us have feelings and are sensitive. Psychiatric patients too, have feelings and can easily get hurt. Some could be hyper-sensitive, so we should not criticise them when they are not in control of their minds. Instead, empathise with them as they go through their treatment.​

Bring humour into the lives of psychiatric patients. Bring them to watch a humorous movie. Crack a joke at the start of the day and the rest of the day will be a happier one.

Research has also shown that listening to music can effectively promote relaxation and overall mental health as it reduces muscle tension and stress.

Sufficient sleep helps the body and mind to relax and gives patients the energy to start a brand new day without feeling too drowsy from the effects of the medications. On the other hand, sleeping too much can be unhealthy as it can make patients lethargic and lose interest in daily activities.

Caregivers should avoid bringing their loved ones who are heading for a relapse to crowded places, as they can become fearful and tend to imagine that “people are talking about them.” This was part of the hallucinations Doris experienced when she was unwell.​​

Doris found it irritating when there was excessive noise and would frown and express her displeasure. When there is excessive noise, Doris was at high risk of falling into a relapse. So I installed doubled-glazed windows that reduced the noise to 50%.​

​​Persons suffering from mental illness should not read or see negative things. Instead, they should be encouraged to read articles on the arts and happy events. Humorous movies or television shows that are comical will encourage patients to stay happy.​

​​Even though caregivers may be heartbroken to see their loved ones hospitalised, it is best not to cry or display any sadness in front of them, as such emotions will not help in their recovery.​

In caring for your loved ones with mental illness, it’s important to observe the 3Ps – Patience, Perseverance and Prayer.

All of us have feelings and are sensitive. Psychiatric patients too, have feelings and can easily get hurt. Some could be hyper-sensitive, so we should not criticise them when they are not in control of their minds. Instead, empathise with them as they go through their treatment.

Caregivers should avoid bringing their loved ones who are heading for a relapse to crowded places, as they can become fearful and tend to imagine that “people are talking about them.” This was part of the hallucinations Doris experienced when she was unwell.

Doris found it irritating when there was excessive noise and would frown and express her displeasure. When there is excessive noise, Doris was at high risk of falling into a relapse. So I installed doubled-glazed windows that reduced the noise to 50%.

Persons suffering from mental illness should not read or see negative things. Instead, they should be encouraged to read articles on the arts and happy events. Humorous movies or television shows that are comical will encourage patients to stay happy.

Even though caregivers may be heartbroken to see their loved ones hospitalised, it is best not to cry or display any sadness in front of them, as such emotions will not help in their recovery.