The majority of families have a central role in supporting their relative with a mental illness. They often serve as the primary caregivers and informal case managers. Where they are not involved (with their relative’s care), I suggest that it is the outcome of the lack of support which often leaves them disoriented, ineffective in their attempts to help, and practically makes them secondary casualties of mental illness.

In the era of the recovery movement, it is important to recognize that recovery is a process that both the ill person and the family need to go through in order to reclaim their lives. We know that serious mental illness often has a devastating effect on the entire family. The adjustment process is long and painful and requires courage, determination and support.

This is where professionals have not been doing a very good job; both before the implementation of the current action plan, and, I am afraid, also as the implementation takes hold.

I do understand the limitations of the present system in addressing the needs of families. I do not believe that practitioners in institutions who focus their attention on patients should necessarily be those to offer the support families require. However they are a crucial link in referring families for help. The responsibility of ensuring that support for families is available lies with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and should be secured by its Plan d’action. I do not believe that adequate supports are available at the present time. I have read the Guichet d’acc̀ès en santé mentale pour la clientèle adulte des CSSS document where there are references to what needs to be done to improve the situation. It is an improvement, at least in theory, but the challenge will be to make it happen.
(Part 3 to be continued next week...)

Ella Amir
Executive Director
AMI-Quebec Action on mental illness