Family support and its role in the recovery process of people with mental difficulties

Cilj je ovog rada ukazati na važnost obiteljske podrške u oporavku osoba oboljelih od duševnih smetnji te ukazati na važnost pružanja pomoći i članovima obitelji i njihovim reakcijama na bolest jer su upravo oni primarni izvori socijalne podrške. Oboljelim osobama podrška se pruža pokazivanjem empatije, poštovanja, slušanjem i pokazivanjem interesa. Međusobna komunikacija unutar obitelji smatra se najvažnijim faktorom za tijek i razvoj bolesti. Zbog toga je obitelj potrebno uključiti u liječenje. Uspostavljanje jednog ili više osobnih odnosa koji pružaju nadu mogu biti presudni faktori u postizanju oporavka. Nažalost, nisu svi odnosi doživljeni kao podržavajući za opravak. Najčešće prepreke za oporavak su stigma, stres kojeg su prouzrokovali članovi obitelji, nedostatak razumijevanja i informacija te prisilna hospitalizacija. Članovi obitelji različitim reakcijama na saznanje o bolesti mogu pridonijeti ili usporiti oporavku oboljelog člana. Metode koje pridonose lakšem nošenju s bolešću su edukacija, kontakti i prosvjedi. U skrbi za oboljele osobe i njihove obitelj, osim zdravstvenih djelatnika sudjeluju i socijalni radnici. Oni pružaju informacije, podršku, osnažuju pojedince, zagovaraju njihova prava te educiraju njih, obitelj i širu zajednicu o važnosti ravnopravnog postupanja prema osobama oboljelim od duševnih smetnji.The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of family support in the recovery of people with mental difficulties and the importance of helping family members with their reactions to the disease because they are the primary sources of social support. People with mental difficulties receive support through showing empathy, respect, listening, and showing interest. Interpersonal communication within the family is considered to be the most important reason for the course and development of the disease. Therefore, the family should be included in the treatment. Establishing one or more personal relationships that give hope can be crucial factor in achieving recovery but not all relationships are perceived as supportive. The most common barriers to recovery are stigma, stress, lack of understanding and information, and forced hospitalization. By having different reaction to the disease, family members can contribute or slow down the recovery of their sick member. Methods that make it easier to deal with the disease are education, contacts and protests. In addition to health workers, social workers also take part in the care for people with mental difficulties and their families. They provide information, support, empower individuals, advocate for their rights and educate them, their families and the wider community about the importance of equal treatment of people with mental difficulties