What should i do to be a caregiver for someone who is mentally ill?

Learn all you can: About that persons illness and circumstances. Be clear about your own mental health. What resources do you have to be able to provide the care you anticipate giving. Have as many of those resources around you that are also aware of the persons needs. That sounds like a lot, but i assure you there are more resources than you know at first. You just have to ask and put them in place.

It depends: This depends on the mental illness of the person involved -- but generally a compassionate, non-judgmental attitude and willingness to assist are needed for sure. If you're asking about education programs, you can inquire at nursing schools, etc, about requirements. Mental health america has some helpful information for families of mentally ill people: http://www.Mentalhealthamerica.Net/.