Mental illness can affect not only the life of the person with the illness, but also their close family, partners and friends. Significant people in a person’s life are often a source of support with the illness. However, family, partners and friends may be faced with a loved one’s mental illness without much information on ways to deal with it and its impact on their life. NOTE: This guide is NOT a replacement for medical advice and we strongly recommend that you or the person you care for discuss issues related to treatment with a clinician.