It often happens that the immediate family treat the patient with a mental problem either too gently and indulgently or else too strictly. Even qualified nurses do not always find it easy to adopt the right approach in dealing with emotional and mental illnesses.
It is true to say that strong nerves are needed to deal with such cases and the attendant’s own weakness, occasional helplessness and feeling of being ‘fed up’ must be carefully hidden. Patients must have confidence in the one caring for them, as they are exceedingly sensitive on account of their weak nervous system and they can react very quickly. If you become annoyed because the patient has done something wrong, or if you are unhappy because his progress is slow, be careful not to irritate him for this does not encourage him to get better; rather, it will throw him back once more into mental confusion and lead to unpleasant reactions and tensions that will have both physical and mental repercussions. On the other hand, the patient is likely to abuse your kindness, so it is better not to be too gentle, soft or even indulgent; be firm but kind at all times.
Nursing staff need tremendous self-control and self-confidence, also a measure of composure and vast reserves of strength, in order to help a patient with neurasthenic or mental problems to progress. If the patient is conscious of a strong hand supporting and guiding him he will come through the wilderness of his distraught emotions and thoughts with confidence in both himself and his future. He will then cooperate with his helper and begin to think, feel and behave quite normally again.
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