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build up support systems where you need them. Support from family and friends has meant a decrease in hospital stays, something Watson attributes to the ability to have “home hospitalizations.” She believes that preventing hospital stays as much as possible, and having individuals be able to stay in their homes during periods of crisis is far better for them. Acknowledging that while there are times when patients need to be in the care of doctors, nurses and intensive care, to build up support systems so that it isn’t always required is an important way of treating those in mental health crisis. “To be at home with people who love me unconditionally is huge, knowing you don’t have to go through the whole process of being somewhere where, although you are being cared for in a clinical sense, you might not have that sense of being with people that love and care for you. We have to build up support systems so people can do that.” 14 Watson also credits her involvement with CMHA - Calgary as an important part of the process. Her mother developed an early relationship with the organization, while Watson became involved later. “Family members need support to provide the support,” she maintains, so that they can know how to be helpful, and to identify what is not helpful. More importantly, Watson says, family members need that support so that they themselves don’t become ill in the process of looking after a l ݙYۙB