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Chapter 6140And especially I think not getting caught up in the patient’s panic [by carers], because that’s often what I see. The patient notices that too, and then you enter a kind of circle...those problems worsen. (F2, GP)The absence of a network, or changes in individuals within the network, can create instability for the patient and affect MH problems negatively. Additionally, participants felt that the network did not always prioritise or have time for emotional support, whereas this group would benefit from that. Participants observed that, despite the presence of a network, patients continued to rely on practitioners for supportive consultations and that patients did not always feel heard by their network.What you often see is that, for them [professional carers], it’s more like, ‘I help a bit with finances and administration, and I go to the supermarket with them’, but it stops there, and then you’re not addressing that aspect of MH support that this group specifically needs. (F4, GP)Participants saw cooperation with the network as valuable; however, it often requires extra time and effort for them to involve and inform persons in the network – time that is not always available.What I always keep in mind is how important it is to involve the network, whether it’s the personal network or the professional network, that it truly acts as a link. If you have a good understanding of that and can establish it well, I think this patient group will also rely much less on the GP. (F4, GP) Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 140 24-06-2024 16:26