More recently, we were talking about boundaries within the family. About how important rules and restrictions are, about what relationship hygiene is and why it is needed. Life is changing rapidly. And today we are talking about different hygiene and about the new difficulties for families with mentally special people that the virus has brought into our lives. Until recently, people moved freely around the world. Today, borders between states are closing and authorities are restricting the movement of people within countries and even within cities. The epidemic is dramatically changing the way of life of all people, both sick and healthy. But mentally ill people and their families are becoming especially vulnerable these days. Why does this happen? It is known that the trigger for most severe mental disorders, as well as the factor that causes an exacerbation of the disease, is stress. Even for a mentally healthy person, a ban, for example, from leaving the house is perceived as stress. But for a mentally ill person, any, even not so significant, change in the usual way of life is severe stress and a high risk of exacerbation of the disease.2x It is also known that during an epidemic it is very important to maintain hygiene. Those patients who are characterized by sloppiness as a manifestation of the disease often poorly understand the need to maintain cleanliness and wash their hands, and relatives are faced with a difficult choice - either leave the patient alone, thereby increasing the risk of infection, or insist on maintaining hygiene, aggravating relations with the patient. Routine psychiatric medical care becomes 3x unavailable. During the epidemic, doctors conducting routine appointments with patients stop working. This means that getting a doctor’s consultation, changing the drug or dosage, or responding to changes in the patient’s well-being will no longer be possible as before. 4x an epidemic of uncertainty and panic. During the growing epidemic in the family, as well as throughout society, the level of anxiety and fear is very high. On TV they show sad news, they show scary stories, but there is very little encouraging information. When this negatively distorted information is discussed in the family, then anxiety increases even more. 5x The obvious consequence of the epidemic is a decline in the economy, food and medicine become more expensive, and one of the healthy family members may lose their job. All this causes depressive moods even in healthy relatives. 6x If the patient becomes infected with the virus, help will be difficult due to his mental characteristics, which means that this help will be less effective. In addition, people may be less likely to receive quality care due to stigma associated with mental disorders. In conditions of a shortage of something (medicines, hospital beds, doctors, medical devices, etc.), there is usually greater discrimination against people on various grounds, including mental disorders. What should a family do in these conditions, how can healthy relatives protect yourself and your patient. Determine for yourself what depends on the efforts of the family and what does not. Forget about the second one for now. Don't watch too much news or other scary programs on TV. Take care of the daily routine for both the patient and yourself, this will bring a feeling of an island of stability in the current changing world. Cook delicious food that is enjoyable and relaxing. Remember other ways to feel pleasant feelings and satisfaction - draw, write poetry, look at family photo albums, do handicrafts, etc. Consider for yourself the possibility of additional physical activity during self-isolation, beware of physical inactivity, and encourage the patient to be moderately active. Do not discuss your concerns about the future with the patient or in his presence. Talk to a psychologist about your fears, anxieties, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Take care of external support, think about who can temporarily replace you if you get sick and the patient needs care. Make a list of the most!