Ahmed (not his real name) was in his early twenties when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He believed he was a time traveller who had lost his time machine and become stuck in the present.
He kept calling me his father, 'the old man' who kidnapped him and kept his time machine hidden.
Ahmed would sneak out of his home and walk to the police station in his town, asking for their help to unite him with his time machine. Luckily, the police knew where he lived, so they would return him home. Over time, the responsibility of caring for Ahmed fell almost entirely on his father. He accompanied him everywhere, helped him shower, ensured he was fed and stayed awake on many nights while Ahmed spoke to imaginary voices or tried to 'communicate' with his machine.
As the rest of the family grew frustrated, even fearful, it was the father — now in his seventies — who remained the only caregiver.
After many years to the local healers, the family consulted a doctor who diagnosed Ahmed with schizophrenia. Despite multiple hospital stays and changes in medication, Ahmed’s condition did not get better.
Although he stopped talking about his time machine, he became withdrawn and entirely dependent.
His father, physically frail and emotionally depleted, continued to care for him — driven by love, duty and fear of other family members who mistreated his son, labelled him 'spoiled' or threatened him during his nighttime pacing.
Caregivers of people with severe mental illness can find it challenging and emotionally draining. Unlike physical illnesses that receive public sympathy, mental illness still carries stigma that isolates both patients and those who care for them.
These caregivers experience chronic stress, anxiety, guilt and grief. They mourn the loss of the person they once knew, fear future relapses and struggle with the unpredictability of the illness.
So how can caregivers be supported and support themselves?
The first step is to acknowledge your struggle and allow yourself to feel the frustration, sadness and even anger without guilt.
Suppressing these emotions can increase your risk of burnout. Some caregivers choose to suffer in silence because they worry others may not understand them or even judge them.
Joining caregiver support groups can offer a sense of community as you meet people who can understand your struggles and exchange with you validation and practical tips.
Involve other family members in caring, even when they seem less patient or understanding. Start by giving them small tasks and educating them gradually about the condition.
Remember to take care of your well-being: ensure you get sufficient rest, engage in gentle physical activity — such as a brief walk outdoors.
When attending medical appointments, make the most of your time by asking questions, seeking second opinions and exploring available support services.
In my opinion, caregivers provide love, care and support for a person with severe mental illness, but this needs to be accompanied by community awareness and support from others.
By recognising their sacrifice and ensuring they too are cared for, we uphold not only the dignity of the patient but the humanity of those who stand beside them — day after day, night after night.
The writer is a senior consultant psychiatrist at SQU Hospital
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