Objective: To explore the experiences, describe the strengths to cope, and formulate recommendations to support families living with a mentally ill family member in the Thabo-Mofutsanyana district of the Free State Province in South Africa. Method: A qualitative, phenomenological design, and in-depth interview guided by three central questions. A total of 14 interviews were conducted. Results: Three main themes that were identified after data analysis: positive experiences and strengths, negative experiences, and support of families living with a mentally ill family member. Conclusion: In order to address some concerns indicated by these families, and to strengthen their strategies in coping as individuals and as families, support recommendations were formulated. Further studies are needed to implement these recommendations and to evaluate their effectiveness.