Understanding the ups and downs of living well: the voices of people experiencing early mental health recovery

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to better understand early-stage mental health recovery experiences of people living with severe and persistent mental illness and complex needs.MethodsSemi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 people engaged in an Australian program specifically designed for people facing complex barriers to their recovery. Interview data were analysed thematically using constant comparative methods.ResultsParticipants described engaging with seven interconnecting aspects of early recovery: (1) engaging with the challenge of recovery; (2) struggling for a secure and stable footing; (3) grieving for what was and what could have been; (4) seeking and finding hope; (5) navigating complex relationships; (6) connecting with formal and informal support, and finally, (7) juggling a complexity of health issues.ConclusionsThis study illuminated the complexity of earlier-stage recovery which was characterised both by challenging personal circumstances and a hope for the future. It illustrated that even at an early point in their recovery journey, and amidst these challenging circumstances, people still actively engage with support, draw on inner strengths, source resources and find accomplishments. Stability and security was foundational to the ability of participants to draw on their own strengths and move forward. Stability came when material needs, including housing, were addressed, and an individual was able to connect with a supportive network of workers, carers, friends and family.

Stages of recovery in psychosis: Converging qualitative research and psychoanalysis

“…In addition, family members need support in their guilty feelings and in overcoming their denial. Recent study findings 12 confirm this result. The results of another qualitative study 9 led their authors to call the initial phase “overcoming stuckness”.…”

Essential Elements That Contribute to the Recovery of Persons With Severe Mental Illness: A Systematic Scoping Study

“…It identified domains of "wholeness and integration, " "inner peace, " and "hope and optimism" as the strongest contributors to the negative association between spirituality and depression (55). Other authors reported similar findings involving different populations (38,46,52,67,72,74). For instance, studies involving a group of individuals diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia-spectrum disorders identified hope, along with a sense of self-agency, wellbeing resilience, and strength, as integral components of recovery (26,30,32,38,46).…”

Priorities for Supportive Housing Services: Perspectives of People With Mental Illness in Northeastern Ontario

“…Letting others in emphasizes the importance of having a healthy home environment, enjoyed in the company of preferred others, for recovery. Housing free from ecological threats, however, is not enjoyed by all, and as such individuals can find themselves residing in substandard housing they perceive as unacceptable (Hancock, Smith-Merry, Jessup, Wayland, & Kokany, 2018). Not only does substandard housing have the potential to threaten tenants’ physical and mental well-being, it may entrench social isolation.…”

“…Letting others in their home, once basic environmental needs, such as temperature control, clean running water, the absence of toxins, and other infestations are achieved, can be a source of support in recovery. Other authors have identified that recovery is not feasible in isolation but rather succeeds when valued friends and family are part of their lives (Hancock et al., 2018; Piat, Seida, & Sabetti, 2017). Letting others in , however, is not an open door invitation.…”