Mental disorders account for a large proportion of the worlds population. The cause of mental illness is unkown. Almost all mental illnesses can be treated with either medication or some form of psychotherapy or counseling. International law has not paid sufficient attention to the mentally ill, so their positip is regulated within the framework of the protection of persons with disabilities. Often, mentally ill persons are deprived of legal capacity, which is why they are placed under guardianship. The importance of the caregiving institute is reflected in the protection of sick persons who are unable to protect their rights and interests. The mentally ill are often exsposed to frequent hospitalizations, resulting in an institutionalized form of care. Deinstitutional forms of care for sick persons contribute to improving the quality of their lives. Particular emphasis is placed on the source of support that the mentally ill receive and the role of the social worker in dealing with these persons. Mentally ill people with the disease are in disadvantageou situation, so their support from family , friends, relativies and other persons is very important to them. In addition to non-formal sources of support for mentally ill ersons formal sources of support for mentally ill persons formal sources of support are important. There are different ways of working withthe sick such as a sociotherapy, occupational therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and consueling. These methods of working with the mentally disabled are aimed at preventing, eliminating the consequences of the disease, contributing to nealing and improving the quality of life of working with the diseased.. Mentally ill persons are a particulaarly vulnerable group, which is why it is important to promote and protect their rights. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness of the mental illness and its consequences for the sick person and their family, and to highlight the importance of supporting the sick.