“I choose to keep my mates close because there are times when we all need each other.”

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Meeting new people can be difficult but it is worth the effort. Having a close group of friends is good for you and good for them as well.

Staying close with friends and family, expanding your social circle, and entering intimate relationships, can have many rewards. And having these people around is incredibly important when your journey of recovery becomes difficult.

It’s important to remember that relationships are a two-way street. You, and your family and friends, need to build bonds that will withstand the pressures that can accompany schizophrenia.

Your friends and family will find it helpful to learn more about schizophrenia. This can help them understand how to support you when times are tough.

A coffee with a mate, a good belly-laugh with a parent, or a hug with a loved one, will probably be just as important to them as it is to you.

You’ll find some useful information on what families and friends can do to help in MIFA’s and SANE’s factsheets.