Why Is Support for Loved Ones Important and Where to Find Guidance?

Mental health issues also affect the lives of the loved ones of those who are ill. Family members play an important role in supporting the person and their recovery process. The challenges in the life situation of the person with mental health problems also burden their loved ones in many ways.   

Peer support means the support we receive when we talk with people who are in a similar life situation. Realizing that others also have a loved one who is mentally ill or showing symptoms can bring relief. Peer support helps reduce feelings of guilt, increases understanding toward both the loved one and oneself, and helps in finding healthy boundaries, self-care, and ways to maintain one’s own well-being.
(Source: Mahdollisuuksia_palvelutarjotin – Mielenterveysomaisten keskusliitto – FinFami ry)

The Finnish Central Association for Families of People with Mental Illness – FinFami ry organizes various peer support groups led by professionals or trained volunteers.

You can find guidance from the following sources:

• Mielenterveysomaisten keskusliitto – FinFami ry 
• FinFami Uusimaa ry – Omaiset mielenterveyden tukena 
• ABC-opas-omaiselle.pdf (finfami.fi) 
• Mielenterveyden keskusliitto Mielenterveyden keskusliiton neuvontapuhelin ja Valoa-chat,  
• https://www.mtkl.fi/mika-askarruttaa/laheisen-sairastuminen/
• https://mielenterveysomaiselle.fi/
• Parisuhdekeskus Kataja