Facing mental illness is painful for families. It undermines their ability to cope with everyday living.

Friends for Mental Health guides families towards new paths in learning to live with mental illness. We listen and counsel, we provide information and referrals, we offer self-help and respite, and we promote public awareness. Flexible and responding to changing needs, Friends for Mental Health works in collaboration with other professional mental healthcare providers. We are a non-profit, bilingual organization serving primarily the West Island of Montreal.

Few people are knowledgeable about mental illness. When a loved one is affected no one is really ready to face this new challenge that is disrupting family life. Nevertheless, the place of family members in the care, treatment and recovery of mental illness has been substantially documented: the best treatment for mental illness includes supporting the family and other caregivers. In the past thirty years, families have been moving from a passive role to an active role wherein they are considered to be partners in care. This guide is in response to the needs of families to possess a better understanding of mental illness and the different resources available, as well as how to manage and better cope with the situation. Learning to live with mental illness demands time, patience and courage. You are not alone!