Preparation is usually a key element of success. It’s the reason policies are formed and adopted. In healthcare this approach is also widely used. Guidelines for a wide array of conditions exist in an effort to consistently provide the best-known treatment for patients.But these guidelines are for healthcare professionals. Visiting lecturer Betty Kitchener explained in her October 12 public talk, that when it comes to mental health, families and those caring for mentally ill patients should also have guidelines.Ms Kitchener, a senior lecturer at the Centre for Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne in Australia, was on Island giving training and a public talk during Mental Health Week earlier this month.Mental health workers and members of a support group for families of the mentally ill were the bulk of her public talk audience at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. She explained that she is part of a research project in Australia, which is developing guidelines specifically for the lay people that care for those with intellectual disabilities.She pointed out that such guidelines exist for almost every health profession discipline for each mental health disorder. The Mental Health First Aid Training and Research Programme works from the premise that providing a supportive environment for patients better ensures and/or aids their efforts to be fully functioning and contributing members of their communities.The guidelines will also act as a support for carers. Not being mental health professionals, they can become frustrated, confused and lack ideas on how to communicate with their loved one, or manage the relationship.While the guidelines don’t cover every possible situation, the aim is to provide carers with a helpful tool.To date guidelines for adult caregivers of people with bipolar disorder, have been completed. Ms Kitchener said this disorder was chosen because it encompasses other illnesses. She said psychosis; depression and feelings of self-harm including suicide can be features of bipolar disorder. She said in setting guidelines for treating it, guidelines for other illnesses would also be covered.The 65-page “A guide for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder” features 16 pages of where to go and who to contact for help not just in Australia, but also the US, UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada. But the bulk of the document gives clear direction on how to manage the illness. For example the following advice is listed on page 40 for carers who encounter a bipolar patient who is ill, irritable and very critical of them.“It can be hard to maintain perspective if the person who is ill is also very irritable and criticises you a lot. Finding ways to detach and set boundaries without being drawn into arguments can be helpful.What to do if the person is ill, irritable, and very critical of you.l It may help to detach from the situation a little by reminding yourself that the person is ill.l Don’t try to defend yourself by arguing logically with the person if they have become so ill that they are not thinking as rationally as they usually do.l Address the specific comments or behaviour (e.g. shouting) that are unacceptable or concerning, without criticising or blaming the person as an individual.l Set limits with the person’s verbal abuse by saying something like ‘I understand you’re upset but I’m not going to tolerate being spoken to in this way’ and walk away.l Take some time out or talk things through with someone you trust to help maintain your perspective, and don’t be drawn into reacting to their irritability or believing the criticism.”To access the entire document visit www.bipolarcaregivers.org