Background of the study: Stress has been viewed as a complex and vibrant transaction between individuals and their surroundings. It will adversely affect the emotional, physical, psychological and social functions of an individual even though the perception and reaction to stress and way of coping differs individually. Caregivers of patient with mental illness can experience stress that leads to negative consequences not only for themselves but also for the patients and other family members. Objectives: The study is aimed to assess the level of stress and coping among caregivers of patients with mental illness. Methodology: A total of 100 caregivers of patients with mental illness were selected by Non probability convenient sampling technique. The tools used for the data collection were perceived stress scale and modified coping scale and socio-demographic proforma. Results: The study results revealed that majority of the caregivers (76%) were in the age group of 19 to 50 years. Majority of them (65%) had moderate level of stress, 33% had mild level of stress and 2% had severe level of stress. Majority of the caregivers (75%) had average coping. Discussion: Majority of the care givers had moderate level of stress and average coping. The nurse administrator should plan and organize educational program for care givers of patients with mental illness, in order to prepare them to cope up with any stressful situations. Hence the researcher emphasizes the need for more research to improve the knowledge and by applying the research finding for future.
