["Family Relations, EarlyView. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nBackground\nSiblings of individuals with mental health disorders often encounter emotional and social challenges, experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. They may take on caregiving roles typically associated with parents, leading to compassion fatigue, characterized by emotional exhaustion and burnout.\n\n\nMethod\nThe study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore siblings' lived experiences through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 32 participants (75% female, aged 19–65 years, M = 32, SD = 13.24), each having at least one sibling diagnosed with a mental health condition (M years since diagnosis = 13, SD = 12.71; age of diagnosed sibling: 16–67 years, M = 32, SD = 13.06).\n\n\nResults\nThree main strategies emerged from the data. The first was internal control: participants developed rigid routines and control mechanisms to maintain stability in chaotic family environments. The second was emotional distancing: this was a survival strategy, providing temporary relief but often leading to feelings of guilt. The third was growth through crisis: some participants experienced personal growth, with many pursuing careers in helping professions such as social work or psychology.\n\n\nConclusions\nThe study highlights the emotional complexities faced by siblings of individuals with mental health disorders. Although caregiving can lead to compassion fatigue, it can also provide opportunities for personal growth and resilience. Interventions should address both the emotional toll of caregiving and the potential for positive transformation, supporting siblings of individuals with mental illness in managing their emotional burden while fostering resilience.\n\n"]