Helping Families of Persons with Mental Illness: Role of Psychiatric Social Work

Abstract

Families’ ability to adapt positively to a new situation is important to maintain a healthy balance in any difficult situation. It plays a major role in cure and recovery from mental illness.  Studies reported that families with severe mental illness often have poor adaptation and functioning. The gross dysfunction in family functioning may be the cause and outcome of mental illness. Families often lack knowledge about the illness and illness management skills. Proper guidance and support from mental health professionals play a significant role in the success of treatment and recovery. The present article will discuss about the strategies for developing better acceptance, providing proper professional support and harvesting resources in the living community to help the families with mentally ill by giving a key focus on the role of Mental Health Social Work. Keywords: family, mentally ill, adaptation skills, recovery, mental health social work