A study published today has called for a major campaign to improve public understanding of mental illness to help sufferers integrate back into the community.
A new Health Research Board (HRB) report has found that family members of people with an enduring mental illness feel socially isolated.
The study also revealed loved ones want to promote recovery and how patients can function again in the community.
It recommended family support from the onset of mental health problems, a liaison worker to deal with families and a package of support services for the family members.
The Family Support Studyexamined the experiences, needs and support requirements of people who care for a family member with mental illness in Ireland.
It found different services are needed by families to cope with each stage of the illness from initial encounter, first-treatment provision, discharge, relapse and rehabilitation.
Researcher Yulia Kartalova-O'Doherty said family, friends, and carers need to be involved as active partners in the delivery of mental health services.
"It is clear that we need to shift the focus from inpatient care to community care," she said. "Participants felt that without support from the wider community rehabilitation would be more difficult for their relative."
The study highlights the lack of information about illness or how best to support relatives during treatment and recovery.
Participants said they felt there was a lack of understanding, practical advice or an appropriate response from the services when someone was diagnosed. Carers also criticised support services for families and follow up treatment for the service users after discharge.
PA