Read the passage.

Question

Fighting the Isolation of Mental Illness
Medical treatment for severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia has advanced remarkably in modern times, but despite reductions in symptoms, many people with these illnesses are at risk of social isolation and loneliness. The reasons are complex, but mental health experts believe that stereotypes and persistent misconceptions are partly to blame. People often avoid those who have been diagnosed with mental health problems because of society's negative associations with mental illness. An organization called Compeer was founded to address this issue by providing social support. Compeer matches trained volunteers with individuals who are receiving mental health treatment, and the partners meet regularly for visits and shared activities. The volunteers offer caring support and encourage their partners to engage in community activities. As a result, they provide a sense of belonging and connection and help boost self-esteem.
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?

Answer 1

The central idea of the passage is that despite advancements in medical treatment for severe mental illnesses, individuals suffering from these conditions often face social isolation and loneliness due to societal stereotypes and misconceptions, and organizations like Compeer aim to mitigate this by providing social support through volunteer partnerships.