How do I explain what is happening to other family members, friends and my loved one?

With openness and honesty. It is important that everybody who maintains a relationship with the person with the mental illness share their concerns with those around them. Explaining what mental illness is and how it manifests in everyday life will help relieve the tension we feel when faced with the unknown. It is important to remember that the person affected will grow over the course of the illness, as will the people around them, so it is important to avoid labelling.

Family members can also share their distress, worries and feelings of helplessness. A burden shared is always lighter! Your loved one is still part of the family unit and may share the same concerns. The more information you have, the less overwhelmed you will feel by the illness.