Combating the social isolation of chronic mental illness

1. The diminished mental and emotional resources suffered by those with chronic mental illness (CMI) often lead to impoverished relationships that fail to produce satisfying connections with others. As a result, persons with CMI are frequently chronically lonely. 2. Moreno's sociometric principles and psychodramatic techniques for group therapy provide ways to increase interconnectedness with others by interrupting the self-reinforcing aspects of social isolation. 3. Role reversal, self-presentation, psychodramatic encounter, and sociometric exercises facilitate expanded emotional repertoire, let members know each other, provide relief from emotional distress, and produce information about the group needed to generate interaction.