Why is family support important?

Family plays a crucial role in a patient’s recovery process, especially during the early stages of psychosis. Studies have found that family support is particularly important during a patient’s first onset, such as encouraging patients to seek help, supporting them to continue receiving treatment, and facilitating them to take their medication on time and to improve their social lives. Family members’ knowledge of the disorder also affects the way they take care of the patient.

Studies have found that the more knowledgeable a caregiver is about the disorder and the relevant drugs, the more effective they are when it comes to supporting the recovery of patients.

Other than being knowledgeable about the disorder and medication, it is also important for the family to know how to communicate with the patient. The appropriate communication style can help avoid conflicts. Being caring, encouraging and giving the patient an appropriate degree of freedom are all essential for the patient to lead a fruitful and independent life.

In case of mild conditions, to have a supportive environment for rehabilitation, most of the care of patient happens at home. This is because integration into the community is a key outcomes to be achieved. Family and friends are therefore playing a crucial role in this process by giving care, support and encouragement.