Klinik Pakar Gan dan Rakan-Rakan

Care for caregivers

At the clinic, some patients come for follow-up appointments alone, while others require the accompaniment of family members. These caregivers are the patients' caregivers.

Some patients with mental illnesses are unable to work or even care for themselves due to the severity of their conditions. Examples include later stages of dementia, severe schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Caregivers need to supervise and care for these patients 24 hours a day.

Some patients, due to their illnesses, experience auditory hallucinations or paranoia, verbally abusing or even physically abusive towards their caregivers. Some patients suffer from sleepless nights and reversed sleep patterns. If a patient is at risk of su***de or self-harm, caregivers need to hide dangerous items and medications, living in constant fear.

Some caregivers also need to work or manage their own household chores. Under the long-term stress, many caregivers themselves experience depressive and anxiety symptoms.

At the clinic, some caregivers ventilated to me about their sleep deprivation, their constant running around, and the sufferings they endure. A doctor's job is not only to treat patients, but also to listen and care for their caregivers.

As a caregiver of a severely mentally ill patient, what should we do besides taking good care of the patients?

Take good care of yourself!

I often encourage caregivers to take good care of themselves. How can you care for your family if you are exhausted or unwell yourself? Adequate stress relief is important, such as talking to someone, exercising, participating in social activities, and do some hobbies. In addition, maintain a healthy lifestyle such as balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. If you need a break, communicate with other caregivers and take a short break to relax. If a caregiver notices emotional instability, insomnia, poor appetite, or other symptoms of depression and anxiety, they should seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment is crucial. Never delay.

Let us all care for and support the caregivers of our patients. Thank you for your help.

Love and hugs 🤗
Dr Gan Ning Xin
Psychiatrist
Klinik Pakar Gan dan Rakan-Rakan Psikiatri 🩷

关怀照顾者

在诊所中，病人有的会独自前来复诊。有的需要家人的陪伴。他们就是患者的照顾者。

一些精神疾病患者由于病情的严重性，无法工作甚至是自理。比方说较为后期的失智症，严重的精神分裂症，忧郁症或躁郁症，自闭儿等等。照顾者需要24小时的监督与照顾病人。

有的病人因为疾病，有幻听或被害妄想，对照顾者恶言相向，甚至是拳打脚踢。有的则晚上不睡觉，日夜颠倒。倘若病人有自杀或自残的风险，照顾者需要把危险的用具和药物藏起来，终日提心吊胆。

有的照顾者还需要工作或处理自己的家务事。在长期的压力下，有不少照顾者本身也有忧郁和焦虑的现象。

在诊所，有的照顾者向我倾诉他们睡眠不足，日夜奔波还得挨打挨骂。医生的工作不单是医治病患，也充当聆听者，关怀照顾者。

身为严重精神病患的照顾者，除了照顾好患者之外，应当怎么做呢？

照顾好自己！

我时常劝勉照顾者应当好好的照顾自己。如果自己也累垮了或生病了，那么又如何照顾病患。适当的解压，如找合适的人倾诉，做运动，参加社交活动并且利用时间做喜欢的爱好。除此之外，健康的生活作息，均匀的饮食，充足的睡眠。如果有需要休息，与其他照顾者沟通，拿一个短假去散散心。倘若照顾者察觉到情绪不稳或失眠，胃口欠佳，或拥有其他忧郁和焦虑的症状，应当及时就医，病从浅中医。千万不要拖延。

让我们一同关怀并支持我们病患的照顾者。感恩有您， 谢谢。

颜宁欣
精神科医生
Klinik Pakar Gan dan Rakan-Rakan Psikiatri 🩷

Celebrating event 🎉

🤗 Hugs

The clinic is operating as usual on 1.9.2026.Thank you.
诊所在1.9.2026照常营业。谢谢。