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Caring for someone with a mental illness

Caring for a family member or friend with a mental illness can involve unique challenges around crisis response, confidentiality and your own emotional wellbeing.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

Mental illness can fluctuate in severity, sometimes suddenly, and caring may involve supporting someone through crisis as well as everyday life. Carers often report feeling shut out of information because of patient confidentiality rules.

Confidentiality and being involved

Health professionals must generally respect a patient's right to confidentiality, but this does not mean carers should be excluded from all support.

  • You can usually give information to a clinical team even if they cannot share information back with you without the patient's consent.
  • Ask about a carer's assessment specific to mental health caring, sometimes offered through community mental health teams as well as councils.
  • Some services use a 'triangle of care' approach, which aims to involve carers appropriately alongside patient confidentiality.

Crisis and safety planning

  • Ask the mental health team about a crisis plan, including who to contact out of hours and what to do if you are worried about immediate risk.
  • If there is a risk to life, contact emergency services or your local mental health crisis line, or attend accident and emergency.
  • Know the difference between a voluntary hospital admission and detention under mental health legislation, and ask for an explanation if this affects the person you care for.

Checklist

  • Ask about a carer's assessment through the mental health service or your council.
  • Ask the clinical team how you can share information even if they cannot share information back.
  • Get contact details for the local crisis team and out-of-hours support.
  • Look after your own mental health, including seeking your own support or counselling if needed.
  • Ask about carer support groups specific to mental health caring.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming you can never be involved because of confidentiality rules, when you can usually still give information.
  • Not having a crisis plan in place before a crisis happens.
  • Neglecting your own mental health while focused on someone else's.
  • Not asking what detention under mental health law actually means for decisions and rights.

Organisations that can help