Family and Friends

Relationships and Reintegration

Healthy relationships are essential to the well-being of everyone - especially those persons with persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. But these illnesses can cause a strain on even the strongest relationships.

Many people with such illnesses live with their families, requiring the active involvement of all members of the household in the day-to-day care and support of the individual with the illness. Others live with friends.

Regardless of where the person with the illness lives, he or she will need a primary caregiver - a parent, sibling, spouse, adult child, or significant other (boyfriend/girlfriend, family friend, teacher, etc.). And regardless of the specific relationship, caregivers will face numerous issues and will have many needs in coping with the illness on a long-term basis.