ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the case study of the patients with mental disturbance. Early signals of mental ill-health will vary according to the particular illness. Many people will back away from admitting what the real problem is. It is easy to make wrong assumptions because they are not communicating. Sometimes, there are two casualties: the person who has the original breakdown, and the one who cares for that person, who in turn breaks down because of the stress. It is important that the effect of this stress is realised in time, and that support – through groups of similarly placed carers – is organised. Being able to talk to people in a similar situation, who really understand what one is going through is a great help. Many of those looking after disturbed relatives or marital partners are under enormous pressure, as is evident by the number of letters MIND receives on the subject, asking for help.
