That's a really good question. I think support from other people is helpful - maybe essential. And if your family is supportive that's wonderful. But I think some people do manage without family support. Some people even "divorce" their family and move on.

I bought this book for my son on the recommendation of a therapist: A Way Out of Madness: Dealing with Your Family After You've Been Diagnosed with a Psychiatric Disorder. I know he's looked at it some, but I'm not sure how useful he's found it.