Centered on the exclusion of individuals with mental disorders, the traditional psychiatric model of mental health care in Brazil has undergone changes for the creation of a network of substitutive services in the community. Therefore, a change is made to the role played by relatives, who are called to participate in care, rehabilitation and social inclusion strategies. This assay aims at discussing the opinion of relatives of Associação Arte e Convívio (AAC) users in Botucatu-SP, Brazil as regards the aspects related to their reality and experience concerning mental disorders, since such relatives have not participated in AAC activities. The oral account methodology was used, and the following aspects were found to be part of the relatives' everyday lives: economic, social and mental overload as a result of prejudice and living with a person who has mental disorders. It was concluded that for AAC to overcome the difficulties of involving relatives in their activities, it will be necessary to heed attention to economic and social issues.
family relationships; social inclusion; mental health; civil organization
