Self-help groups for people with schizophrenia and their families are becoming increasingly common. Although professional therapists are not involved, the group members are a continuing source of mutual support and comfort for each other, which is also therapeutic. People in self-help groups know that others are facing the same problems they face, and no longer feel isolated by their illness or the illness of their loved one. The networking that takes place in self-help groups can also generate social interaction. Families working together can advocate for more research and additional hospital and community treatment programs, and patients acting as a group may be able to draw public attention to the discriminations many people with mental illnesses still face in today's world.

 

Support groups and advocacy groups are excellent resources for people with many types of mental disorders.