The role of self-help group in social inclusion of adults with mental health problems

Mental health is the foundation of human activity at all levels and a part of health and basic human need. In my thesis I researched the importance of self-help groups for individuals with mental health problems to maintain mental health in social inclusion process and stigma effects reduction. In the first part I explain the terms and concepts of mental health in relation to mental illness and mental disorders, I cover the terms of stigma and the function of prejudices in the process of stigmatization, followed by the description of needs of people with mental health problems and how an individual with mental health problems is taken care of by the community and social surroundings. I have summarized the types of assistance and features of the self-help and self-help groups within the associations or non-governmental organizations in the field of mental health. Using the method of qualitative analysis I came to the conclusion, that self-help group plays an important role as an intermediate structure in providing shelter, security, support and expansion of social networks for people with mental health problems in the process of deinstitutionalisation and it helps reduce the risk factors and stigmatization. Users and other people who engage in self-help group, through mutual cooperation gain new experiences, skills and strategies to solve problems. Self-help group helps the users to overcome mental health problems, encourages and strengthens weakened power, gives new knowledge and experience, which helps the users to become independent in decision-making, thoughtful in their actions, at ease to make contacts to others, strengthen relations with the community and society and will take more control of own behavior and emotional responses to others in accordance with societal expectations. User receives help from his family and friends, professional help and help from individuals that are included in the association or non-governmental organizations, with the aim of promoting and reducing the harmful effects of hospitalization, building a stronger identity and frequent active involvement in the social environment