An Indepth Research Into The Social Support For The Families Of Sufferers Of Mental Illness

This essay uses an ecological perspective to analyze the societal support of the families of the mentally disabled as either formal or informal support. On the basis of these two broad categories, further research and analysis will be done from the perspective of small, medium, and large ecological systems. The main objectives of this research paper are:1, to understand the general lives of the families of prior mentally disabled people as well as the problems and needs that they have faced;2,to elucidate the characteristics of support received by the families;3, to analyze the elements that affect how families are supported by society and search for methods to allow social workers to enter into this situation;4,to use practical social worker experience to investigate the applicability and room for development of social workers in agencies devoted to the societal support of the families of the mentally disabled as well as to suggest practical policies and procedures.This essay primarily uses qualitative analysis as its research method, and uses half-structured interviews, and participatory observation to complete materials gathering. After analysis of said materials, several characteristics of family and societal support:1, there are severe problems for both formal and informal support within the middle ecological system;2, the support within the large ecological system, especially the policies and programs, is far from perfect and brings families much hardship;3, within the small ecological system family and individual status have a direct impact on the societal support received.In the process of serving, it was discovered that:l, in interventions there were several important factors, mainly, adjusting emotions, pleading for outside help and strength, and raising group awareness;2, in interventions there were a few difficulties, mainly, constructing support between family members, the education of the leaders, and the reconstruction of family support.Lastly, according to the results of the research, I will propose suggestions on how social workers should operate interventions for the families of the mentally disabled.