Communication is a two-way street. It involves a sender (the person speaking), a receiver (the person listening) and the message (what you’re trying to say). When communicating with our loved ones who have a mental illness, it’s imperative that we show empathy and understanding to their needs.

Communication is key in interacting with someone with a mental illness and if we demonstrate a lack of empathy, then we risk isolating them or hurting their feelings. To ensure this doesn’t happen, we have put together the following 10 tips that will be a start for you to improve communications with your loved one.

1. Use short, clear direct sentences

Long, involved explanations are difficult for people with mental illness to handle. If it goes on too long, they will tune you out.

2. Set boundaries

Set limits with the person, as you would with anybody. “I only have five minutes to talk to you”, or “If you scream, I will not be able to talk to you”.

3. Keep it simple

Cover only one topic at a time. One direction at a time. Simplicity is key.

4. Know when to back off

If the person is becoming agitated, it’s best to back off. Arguing that you’re right just makes it harder for the person to remove themselves from the conversation with dignity. It’s also a good idea to back off if the person appears withdrawn and uncommunicative. You’ll have a better chance of communicating with them when they’re calmer.

5. Use “I” statements

Start the sentence with “I” eg ‘I feel upset when you scream” instead of “You upset me when you scream”.

6. Keep the stimulation level as low as possible

A loud voice, an insistent manner, making accusations and criticisms are painfully defeating for anyone, especially so for those who have suffered a mental breakdown.

7. Move away from distractions

Ensure that you’re away from distractions such as noise or onlookers.

8. Be patient

Assume that a good deal of everything you say to the ill person will fall through the cracks. You will often have to repeat instructions and directions. Patience is your friend.

9. Be respectful

When someone feels respected and heard, they are more likely to return the sentiment and also more likely to hear what is being said. Being respectful of their physical space is also important especially for people with paranoia. So be aware that people may need more body space than you.

10. Don’t assume

Mental illness has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence level, so don’t assume that it does by lying to them. Doing this will break any rapport that you want to establish.

Are there any others we could add to this list? Please share with us here.

If you have any questions about this article or need someone to talk to, you can call Arafmi any time of the day on 07 3254 1881. It’s comforting to know that when you need to talk – someone who understands will be there – at any hour.

Arafmi Staff

Meet the Carer Gateway Team: Sue from the Sunshine Coast

“I’m actually on your team.” Meet Sue, supporting mental health carers on the Sunshine Coast. “The person that you care for has a whole team of people around them, but I’m actually on your team.” It’s a sentence Sue comes back to often because she’s seen what happens when a carer hears it for the first time. Every day at the Sunshine Coast Carer Gateway Hub, people caring for a family member, partner or friend living with mental health challenges walk through the door looking for support. For Sue, it often starts with something simple: a smile, a cup of tea and a place to sit. Ask Sue what she loves most about her work, and her answer isn’t what you’d expect. It’s seeing the moment someone realises they don’t have to carry it all on their own. “It probably comes right back down to the look on somebody’s face when they realise that they’ve got somebody on their side and that they can be whoever they want to be. And we’re not going to judge them, we’re just going to try and support them the best way we can.” Putting carers back at the centre Most people walk through

July 3, 2026 No Comments

Carer Story

From carer to lifeline: The Queensland volunteers helping others mental health carers

From carer to lifeline: The Queensland volunteers helping other mental health carers For Arafmi volunteer Louise Dutton, when her son became unwell with mental ill-health, she “didn’t really know what she was dealing with.” That’s where her connection with Arafmi began, not as a volunteer, but as a carer trying to make sense of something overwhelming, unfamiliar and at times isolating. Over time, that experience became something she could offer others. Now 82, she’s spent the past 25 years answering calls on the 24-hour Carer Support Line and sitting alongside carers in support groups. What she brings isn’t a set of answers, but a way of helping people feel understood. As she explains, “Listening plays a big part. And so you’ve got to find out where the person is coming from… sometimes the person is so stressed that they can go round and round in circles. You just try and pick out a few points and confirm, is that what you’re telling me? And then try and help them to understand that we know where they’re coming from because we’ve had a similar experience.” For carers reaching out, that recognition can be enough to help people feel more steady and

April 30, 2026 No Comments

10 Things To Remember When Communicating With People Who Have A Mental Illness