Reducing social isolation in people with mental illness: the role of the psychiatrist

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the level of social isolation and the nature of close relationships among people with mental illness in contact with SANE Australia, and to assess the role of the psychiatrist in assisting in the reduction of social isolation. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 76 carers and 182 consumers via SANE Australia’s helpline service, website or face-to-face during February and March 2005. Results: Loneliness and social exclusion are major issues for Australians with mental illness who are in contact with SANE Australia. Almost three out of four respondents said that they, or the person they care for, experienced loneliness often, if not all the time. Consumers who attended psychosocial rehabilitation services regularly were more content with their close relationships than those who did not. Psychiatrists were identified as one of the preferred points of referral for psychosocial rehabilitation services. Conclusions: The separation between clinical treatment services and psychosocial rehabilitation programmes for people with mental illness has created a system that is fragmented and makes it easy for consumers to ‘fall through the net’. For these reasons, there should be greater collaboration between psychosocial and clinical services. This will encourage psychiatrists to refer people to community programmes.