Survey: Over 60% of relatives supporting people with mental health struggles feel unsupported

A survey conducted by the association "Ogle" found that more than 60% of people who, over the past three years, have supported a relative struggling with mental health issues do not feel sufficiently supported by state or municipal authorities.

The survey was carried out as part of a project called "Strengthening the Family's Role in Mental Health Support," funded by the Society Integration Foundation and run by the association from October last year through July this year. It involved 241 people with personal experience supporting a relative, along with 19 sector specialists, ten in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions.

A missing path to help

Respondents were most often partners, parents, adult children, or siblings of people dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, addictions, or suicidal thoughts or attempts. Only a little over a third of respondents said they clearly knew where to turn during a crisis — a situation the association describes as a "navigation vacuum."

The most commonly cited gaps were a lack of professional and emotional support, as well as insufficient information about available services. Some respondents also pointed to public stigma, long waits to see specialists, and limited access to services in the regions.

Specialists surveyed likewise agreed that involving families in resolving a crisis is important, but said this happens insufficiently in practice, as does cooperation between different sectors.

Call for a unified guide

Based on the findings, "Ogle" has drawn up recommendations, including creating a dedicated support track for families within the upcoming mental health policy plan, developing a unified protocol for family involvement across healthcare and social care institutions, and ensuring state-funded psychological help and support groups.

The association is also developing a platform called "mekleatbalstu.lv," where non-governmental organizations can list their support services, aiming to make it a single information source for families.

The survey results were presented this week to representatives of state institutions and sector organizations, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Welfare, and the Latvian Association of Psychiatrists.