Layman support is the emotional and functional support that a friend, relative, or peer can give a person struggling with mental health difficulties, substance use issues, and other health concerns. A supportive foundation is critical for those navigating emotional and physical health challenges.

Everybody deals with mental health and substance use differently, so it’s important to communicate with your loved one and continue educating yourself on supportive tools and strategies to help them succeed. Here at Avazach Psychiatry Services, mental health education for families focuses on:

Starting with the basics

Understanding how mental health affects people is essential to educate families. Our providers discuss common mental health disorders and how they can be treated.

Encouraging open communication

Each provider encourages families to talk about mental health and its challenges without judgment.

Reducing stigma

We encourage families to challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes and to promote acceptance and understanding.

Fostering a supportive environment

Our providers foster a supportive environment where family members feel safe to talk about their mental health and seek help when needed.

Practicing self-care

Self-care activities like exercise, mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones promote mental health and well-being.

Providing resources

We provide families with resources like articles and websites that help them learn more about mental health. If we feel that they or their loved ones might benefit from professional guidance, we encourage them to seek support.

Research shows that peer support can help improve mental health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, minimize psychiatric symptoms, improve medication adherence, and increase hope and empowerment among people with mental health challenges.

Peer support facilitates connections between people who have encountered mental health difficulties with others facing similar situations. This support is provided by people who have undergone specific training rather than health care professionals.

Peer support removes the traditional power dynamics between health care providers and patients by joining people as equals. This is especially important to eliminate society’s stigma against mental health.

This support takes many forms, including one-on-one, group, and online forums. Peer support specialists provide a wide range of mental health support services. They help individuals navigate the health care system, connect with community resources, and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.