מאמר פרספקטיבה: בחינת הפוטנציאל הטמון באקטיביזם כדרך התמודדות של משפחה לאדם עם הפרעת נפש

Background: The shift from prolonged institutional care to community-based psychiatric rehabilitation and the development of the recovery approach have often positioned the family as a main resource of informal support. Serving as primary caregivers, many family members provide ongoing emotional and instrumental support which can be both gratifying and demanding. Aim: To explore the potential role of activism as a coping mechanism for those facing mental health challenges in their family. Method: We reviewed and discussed what can be learned from the existing research literature on the role of activism in coping with disability and chronic physical illnesses in the family.Findings: Activism may positively impact the quality of life and mental well-being of families dealing with severe mental illnesses. Research in related field semphasizes that activism increases personal resilience and serves as a tool for empowerment and personal growth for those involved. Additional research is needed to explore the potential of activism as a coping strategy for family members in the context of SMI (severe mental illness). Implications for practice and policy: The significant insights into the power of activism may encourage the promotion of future initiatives to support persons coping with mental illness of family members.