1-13-2026 10:44am

Love Them Beyond Their Mental Illness

Ypsilanti PressLLC Editor

LOVE THEM BEYOND THEIR MENTAL ILLNESS
By April Christian-Davis, Health and Wellness Correspondent

Mental illness affects millions of families worldwide, often manifesting in ways that are not immediately visible. Unlike physical injuries — a broken arm or sprained ankle — mental illnesses often hide beneath the surface, revealing themselves only through patterns of speech, behavior, or emotion that differ from the norm.According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness in a given year.

Conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders can alter the way individuals think, feel, and relate to others — creating emotional challenges not only for the individual but also for their caregivers.This was the case for Henry and June. Henry suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder characterized by delusions and disorganized thinking. During episodes, he might express ideas that seem irrational or misplaced, sometimes saying hurtful or inaccurate things to his caregiver, June.June’s experience reflects the emotional toll that caregiving can take. “When someone you love is living with a serious mental illness, you may find yourself caught between frustration and compassion,” says Dr. Lisa Dixon, Director of the Center for Practice Innovations at Columbia University. “Caregivers need to remember that their loved one’s words and behavior are often symptoms of the illness, not personal attacks.”Experts agree that caregiver wellness is just as vital as patient care.

The Mayo Clinic recommends several self-care strategies for those supporting individuals with mental illness:

Make time for quiet reflection or personal relaxation. Stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness, prayer, or journaling can help restore emotional balance.
Eat healthy meals. Balanced nutrition supports mood regulation and physical health.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can affect energy, concentration, and mood stability.
Exercise regularly. Even short walks can lower stress hormones and increase serotonin, which contributes to emotional well-being.

Recognizing that love remains at the center of care is also essential. “It is not your fault or their fault,” notes The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Mental illness is a medical condition that can be managed with understanding, compassion, and support.”As June continues to care for Henry, she finds strength in small, daily affirmations—telling herself and Henry that they are loved and valued regardless of the challenges they face. It’s an act of resilience and humanity, proof that love, when combined with knowledge and empathy, has the power to heal in ways medicine alone cannot.

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