Support from caregivers is an important element of mental health recovery. However, the mechanisms by which social support influences the recovery of persons with depressive, anxiety, or bipolar disorders are less understood. In this study, we describe the social support mechanisms that influence mental health recovery. A cross-sectional qualitative study was undertaken in Québec (Canada) with 15 persons in recovery and 15 caregivers—those having played the most significant role in their recovery. A deductive thematic analysis allowed for the identification and description of different mechanisms through a triangulation of perspectives from different actors. Regarding classic social support functions, several of the support mechanisms for mental health recovery were identified (emotional support, companionship, instrumental support, and validation). However, informational support was not mentioned. New mechanisms were also identified: presence, communication, and influence. Social support mechanisms evoke a model containing a hierarchy as well as links among them.

看护者的支持是心理健康康复的一个重要因素。然而，人们对社会支持影响抑郁、焦虑或双相情感障碍患者康复的机制知之甚少。在这项研究中，我们描述了影响心理健康恢复的社会支持机制。在魁北克（加拿大）进行了一项横断面定性研究，涉及 15 名康复者和 15 名护理人员——他们在康复过程中发挥了最重要的作用。演绎主题分析允许通过对不同参与者的观点进行三角测量来识别和描述不同的机制。关于经典的社会支持功能，确定了几种心理健康恢复的支持机制（情感支持、陪伴、工具支持、和验证）。但是，没有提到信息支持。还确定了新机制：存在、交流和影响。社会支持机制唤起了一个包含层次结构以及它们之间的联系的模型。