The role of social support in the lives of people with mental disorders

People with mental disorders often face stigmatization, discrimination, social isolation and lack of understanding in their environment. The lack of social support can negatively affect the course of the disease, increase the risk of relapse and significantly reduce the quality of life of patients. The aim of this review was to point out the importance of social support for people with mental disorders based on data from recent literature. Social support is one of the key factors in preserving and improving the mental health of people with mental disorders. It includes emotional, informational, material and practical help that a person receives from family, friends, health workers and the wider social community. Social support can be emotional, which includes understanding, empathy and encouragement, but also instrumental, which includes practical help, such as financial support, help with daily activities or care for family members.