Background Mental illness is increasing in the society and it affects the person in the daily life. Relatives are helpful in the recovering of the person with mental illness. In order to provide a good nursing it is important that the nurse knows how relatives experience how it is to live with a person with mental illness. Aim The aim of this study was to illuminate relatives experiences of living with a person with mental illness. Method This study was literature- based and 11 qualitative articles were analyzed for the results. The articles were analyzed by the method of contributing to evidence-based nursing based on analysis of qualitative research. Results The results of this study showed that relatives living with a person that suffers from mental illness experienced a heavy burden. Feelings of guilt and shame was described, which had an impact on the daily life because of constant worry for the person with the mental illness. Relatives also experienced anxiety for the future. The relatives felt excluded from the healthcare and they felt that the healthcare did not take responsibility for the person with the mental illness. The rights to be provided with adequate care, both for the patient and for their relative was described as a constant fight. Conclusion The relatives experienced social isolation, feelings of guilt and loneliness. A need for greater support from the hospital staff desired due the relatives had a need for care and experiences of being excluded from the healthcare was described.