FAMILIES AND MENTAL-ILLNESS - OBSERVATIONS FROM 2 DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Mental illness affects people with the same frequency all over the wor ld, but its consequences have not been greatly studied outside the ''d eveloped'' countries. This article describes the survival strategies, social support and needs of families caring for mentally ill people in Malaysia and Zimbabwe. In both countries the families feel isolated, ill informed and bereft of support, yet their needs are similar to the needs of families in ''developed'' countries. Myths surrounding the r ole of the extended family as a source of material and moral support a re questioned. This research shows how important it is for mental heal th systems to improve helping networks if families are to remain the p rimary providers df care in the community.