A care-recipient's well-being encompasses not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional health. Caring for their mental health may have benefits that can be seen in their treatment journey, recovery, and overall health. The mental health of a care-recipient is, therefore, an important aspect, both for the caregiver and the care-recipient. Below are some key factors that can influence the mental health of a care-recipient.
The process of seeking a diagnosis can be overwhelming but living without one can leave a person in a state of uncertainty about what they should or shouldn’t be doing. The journey towards obtaining a diagnosis can often be filled with delays and misunderstandings, making the experience emotionally draining and stressful. At the same time, it can be frightening to acknowledge one’s vulnerability and confront the new reality after receiving a diagnosis. A care-recipient may experience a deep sense of frustration, anger, and the thought of “WHY ME?”.
Navigating the healthcare system can add significant stress and may feel overwhelming. Challenges include obtaining timely professional support, especially in an emergency, coordinating appointments, finding transport, ensuring infrastructural accessibility, multiple hospital visits, and dealing with several specialists. Besides, financial burden can also add to the complexity of care.
Often, care-recipients are not provided with complete information about their condition, or explained using medical terminology which may be too technical for them to understand. This may leave them feeling helpless and out of control. Sometimes, care facilities may not take the care-recipient's primary symptoms seriously. Their pain may be dismissed, which further perpetuates harm. These constant challenges may create a sense of frustration and helplessness.
Like a caregiver, an individual receiving care may also experience emotional exhaustion due to their condition. Coping with continuous challenges, physical pain or illness can make it difficult for them to maintain a positive outlook. This struggle goes beyond physical symptoms; many may also feel tired and frustrated with the changes in their bodies and lives.
They often grieve the lost time and opportunities, and long for their old lives. The loss of autonomy and fear of being dependent on a caregiver can negatively impact their self-esteem and self-worth.
All of these factors can deepen their feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Recognising the mental health needs of a care-recipient is key to providing better care. It’s important to listen and understand what they’re going through. When you understand their needs and are ready to adapt, it creates a supportive environment. This approach can help them feel valued and improve the overall care experience for both of you. Be a mental health ally and help your care-recipient in distress.
Below are some ways in which you can support your care-recipient:
It can be difficult to fully understand what someone goes through when dealing with an illness or a disease. Putting yourself in their shoes can help you see their emotional and physical struggles. This deeper understanding can enable you to respond in more compassionate, supportive, and meaningful ways. By listening and being empathetic, you create a safe and nurturing environment where your care-recipient feels comfortable opening up and connecting with you.
Be present: Being fully attentive and present, without distractions, is crucial for making the care-recipient feel valued and heard. Be genuinely interested in listening to them. Allow your care-recipient to speak at their own pace, without rushing them. Give them time to express themselves completely.
Here are a few tips to enhance your ability to stay present and attentive:
Imagine their situation: Consider what they may be feeling and genuinely try to see the situation from their perspective. Ask yourself, “How would I feel if I were in their position?” Imagine a day when the roles are reversed, when you are the care-recipient, and they become your caregiver. Consider the challenges you might face and how you would like to be supported during that time. By envisioning their experience, you can better offer the compassionate support they need.
Ask open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”, they require a more detailed response that can encourage the care-recipient to share more about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Asking questions starting with “What”, “How”, “Tell me more about...”, “Can you describe...” can lead to a deeper and more meaningful conversation. Here are a few open-ended questions you could ask to start a conversation:
Stay open-minded: It is important to be flexible and receptive to what the care-recipient shares, even if their thoughts, feelings, or experiences differ from your own. Here are some useful tips to help you remain open minded:
Validate, paraphrase, and reflect their feelings: Validation means recognising the care-recipient's emotions as real and meaningful. Even if you don’t fully understand them, it is important to let them know their feelings are valid and important. Validating their emotions doesn’t mean agreeing with everything they do; it simply means respecting their feelings.
When a care-recipient talks about their struggles, they might just need someone to listen and acknowledge their pain. Simply saying, “I can see how tough this is for you,” or “Your worry is completely valid,” shows you are attentive and understanding without trying to fix the situation immediately.
Paraphrasing means restating your care-recipient's message in your own words, showing you understand their experience. For example, if they say, "I'm so stressed about the upcoming hospital visit," you could paraphrase by saying, "I sense that the upcoming hospital visit is stressing you out.” This also shows you are attentive to them.
Reflecting emotions means recognising and communicating the care-recipient’s feelings back to them through words, tone, and body language, fostering connection and trust. For example, if they say, “I’m overwhelmed by the frequent hospital visits” you might respond with, “It seems like you’re feeling exhausted and maybe even frustrated by how much time and energy these visits are taking.”
This response acknowledges and validates the underlying emotions (exhaustion and frustration). This can make them feel heard, deeply understood, accepted, and build a trusted relationship. Your tone of voice matters, too; a calm, soothing tone can make them feel safe.
| What not to say | What to say |
|---|---|
| You shouldn’t feel that way | It’s okay to feel that way |
| Don’t worry. It’ll be fine | It makes sense how you feel, given the situation |
| Try to be more positive | I can see it’s difficult for you |
| Other people have it worse | Your feelings are valid, and I am here for you. |
| You are overreacting | It’s overwhelming/bothersome for you, I can sense it. |
Non-verbal cues: Non-verbal cues are a powerful way to communicate. They include body language, facial expressions, and even silence.
Here are a few non-verbal cues that can help you show genuine connection and interest, making it easier for your care-recipient to open up.
Respect privacy and maintain confidentiality: Trust is key. Therefore, ensuring that any information that the care-recipient shares during a conversation is kept private whenever they make the request is important. Maintaining this confidentiality helps create a safe and supportive environment. Moreover, never discuss the care-recipient’s personal information with friends, family, or others who are not involved in their care. Inform your care-recipient in advance if you have to share some information about their well-being with other caregivers or professionals under some circumstances (e.g.: in case of harm or medical emergency). This will help them feel more comfortable being vulnerable with you.
Paying close attention to the care-recipient's behaviour and body language can reveal a lot about their physical and emotional state. For example, if a care-recipient has been quieter than usual, and is slouching, it may be a sign that they are tired. In such cases, you can suggest they take a break. Similarly, if you notice they are not maintaining eye contact, they might be upset, and you can check-in on them.
Some care-recipients may over time lose some of their physical abilities, such as, they may walk slower, or experience hand tremors. Noticing these physical signs can help you offer better assistance, whether it is providing crutches or just as simple as being more patient when they struggle to complete a task. Being mindful of these shifts can enable you to respond with care and empathy.
If you observe that your care-recipient is not engaging in conversation, you can gently ask how they feel. Questions like, “You seem a bit quieter today. Is everything okay?” show that you are attentive and can encourage them to open up about what’s on their mind. At times, a care-recipient may be reluctant to talk about what they are feeling. They might say, “I am fine”, but upon noticing non-verbal cues, such as sunken eyes, downturned lips, and tightened facial muscles, you could conclude they are exhausted or unhappy. Noticing such a mismatch does not mean you need to confront them immediately but can gently prompt them later.
In this way, being present and observant can help a caregiver provide better support.
In Indian society, talking about emotions can often be considered unnecessary or taboo. This can make a care-recipient hesitant to open up about what they’re going through. A check-in typically refers to starting a brief conversation to explore the care-recipient's thoughts and feelings, creating a supportive space for them to share and express themselves. Regular check-ins offer a gentle and proactive way for a caregiver to encourage emotional sharing and build trust.
These check-ins are especially important after difficult times, like a doctor’s visit or a tough bout of illness. It’s an opportunity for a caregiver to validate a care-recipient's experience and provide reassurance. For example, asking questions like, “How did your appointment go?” or “Are you feeling any better today?” can encourage them to open up about their worries or relief. Even if they don’t open up immediately, checking in consistently sends a message: “I care about you, and I’m here for you.”
Additionally, involving other family members in these check--ins can help normalise conversations about struggles. When the whole family participates, it creates an environment where sharing feelings is accepted and encouraged. This can make it easier for everyone to express their emotions and support each other. This practice helps break down cultural barriers around emotional expression and promotes a sense of collective support.
Over time, these check-ins become moments of connection, where the care-recipient knows they are heard, valued, and supported-no matter how big or small their struggles may be.
Seeking support from a mental health professional can be helpful for a care-recipient as they navigate challenges. These professionals are trained to understand the complexities of emotional struggles, providing insights and coping strategies. The support of a qualified expert can lead to enhanced well-being and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
If your care-recipient is hesitant to seek professional support, here’s a simple guide to help them feel more prepared and comfortable. Mann Talks offers mental health support for all. You can share our helpline number, 8686 139139, with your care-recipient. The helpline operates every day from 9 am to 8 pm where they will be directly connected to a mental health professional. They can also reach out to us via email at counselling@manntalks.org. Additionally, we provide online one-on-one appointment-based support for individuals via our Mann-ki-Therapy platform.
Encourage your care-recipient to join support groups to connect with others with similar experiences. These groups, whether online or in person, offer a sense of community, understanding, and shared insights that can be immensely valuable during challenging times.
Empowering a care-recipient means ensuring they feel valued, informed, and included in their care planning. Feeling valued is crucial, as it entails recognising their individuality and respecting their opinions. It can help enhance their self-esteem and boost their confidence.
Providing information and resources: A care-recipient needs authentic, clear, simple information about their health and treatment options so they can make informed decisions. By offering resources, answering questions, and encouraging open discussions a caregiver can help them feel empowered and in control of their health journey. It is also essential to provide accurate information as misinformation could do more harm than good.
Encouraging autonomy: Allow your care-recipient to make choices about their care and daily routines wherever possible. It could involve selecting meals, deciding on activities, or choosing their treatment options. Encouraging autonomy can promote a sense of control and respect. Moreover, involving the care-recipient in decision-making can increase their commitment to the care plan. They should feel comfortable sharing their preferences and concerns, as it nurtures a collaborative relationship with their caregiver.
Recognising strengths and celebrating achievements: Identifying your care-recipient’s strength can be challenging. Start by engaging in an open conversation about their abilities and past experiences. You can ask questions like, “What activities have you enjoyed?” or “What are you proud of accomplishing?” This can encourage them to reflect on their strengths, such as resilience or creativity.
Involving family members, other caregivers, and friends can also provide valuable insights about the strengths the care-recipient might overlook. Celebrating small victories is another valuable approach to highlight their strengths. Even if they accomplish something small, acknowledge it by saying, “I admire how you handled that. It shows your strength.” If their condition allows, encourage them to keep a journal documenting their achievements. You can also create a weekly ritual with them to discuss and list their wins together. This can boost their confidence and help them recognise their abilities.
Leveraging their strengths: Once you have identified your care-recipient’s strengths, consider how to incorporate them into their care journey. For instance, if they’re creative, ask for their input on decorating their space, allowing them to express themselves. If they are organised, involve them in planning their care schedule by asking, “When do you feel most energetic for planning your appointments?”
If they are good communicators, encourage them to share their thoughts during doctor visits. You can say, “You explain things so well; would you like to talk to the doctor?” This can empower them and ensure that their voice is heard.
If they have strong fine motor skills and coordination, encourage them to participate in day-to-day tasks like cooking, chopping vegetables, or folding clothes.
Incorporating their strengths into their care routine and encouraging them to participate in various activities can help them feel valued and included. This collaborative approach boosts their confidence, empowers them, and makes their care experience more meaningful.
Feel free to contact a counsellor via our Helpline if at any stage, you feel like you need extra support to manage your thoughts or emotions. Our Helpline number is 8686 139139. It is open all days of the week from 9am to 8pm. You can also email us at counselling@manntalks.org
CONTACT US
© 2025 Mann Talks
Struggling with social belongingness
The emotional toll of feeling like a burden for being dependent on others can weigh heavily on the care-recipient’s mental health. Many may experience feelings of embarrassment or shame, especially those who are dealing with mental health concerns.
They often have to confront the stigma and taboo around their condition, which might lead to feelings of alienation in social or healthcare settings. This struggle can result in a constant fight to be heard and understood, which often results in increased anxiety and depression.