"How might an individual handle a mental illness emotionally, mentally, and socially if someone that he/she cared about was stricken with a major psychological disorder?"

From personal experience, I know exactly how a person might feel if someone that he/she cared about developed a psychological disorder. These disorders destroy relationships, especially between family members. For example, if a child attempts suicide, the siblings and parents may feel betrayed and ultimately shut out the individual from their lives. How a loved one should handle the illness is by creating a peaceful, nurturing environment filled with support and love. The patient needs to be taken care of, no matter his or her mental or physical capabilities. Loved ones need to make sure the patient is taking his/her medication regularly and always stay in close contact. This is most necessary with an individual with depression, for suicide is a continual threat. This, however, is not always the case and so many disorders go unnoticed, leading to unexpected suicides.