Relatives need of support when caring for or supporting a person suffering from mental illness

Aim: To illuminate relatives need of support when caring for or supporting a person suffering from mental illness Background: Relatives of a person suffering from mental illness have different needs. It has for the past few years merely been little improvements in the relative's situation. Methods: Focus group interviews with fourteen relatives. Data were analyzed through manifest content analysis. Findings: Three categories were found: Functioning contact channels to the psychiatric health care organization, Need of an active support from the psychiatric health care organization and Need of support from community resources. Conclusion: The relatives need more attention and understanding for their situation. The support of relatives must be designed and monitored individually. A collaboration or a well-functioning relation with the psychiatric nurses, other professionals working in the health care organisation and social services gives a mutual respect and trust which in turn leads to that the relative is confirmed as an important resource in the care of the mentally ill person. The relatives need an increased support and understanding from the community