GROUP OF SUPPORT TO THE FAMILY OF RELATIVES OF PATIENTS WITH SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS: SPACE OF SHARING IN ADVERSITY

Abstract

Objective: to understand the conditions and context that lead the relatives of patients with severe mental illness to participate in the support group in a Psychiatric Hospital. Method: Qualitative study, according to Grounded Theory. Participants - family members of patients attending day hospital. Procedures: audio-taped group meetings, interviews with members of the health team, family members' questionnaire, critical incident field notes. Results: The conditions and context that make the family members in the support group is the alliance in adversity due to the stigma of mental illness that devastates the lives of sick people and their families in all dimensions of their daily lives, so the group is a shelter. Conclusion: in the group the family members share learning, strategies and learn to manage uncertainty in everyday life. This is a relevant strategy to improve the professional care given to the people with severe mental illness and their families at home.