‘You Just Lose the People You Know’: Relationship Loss and Mental Illness

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the nature, scope and consequences of losses resulting from mental illness. This paper presents findings from a key theme of this study-the loss of relationships. Thematic analysis revealed two categories: loss of intimate relationships, which included subcategories of (i) spouses/partners, (ii) children/parenthood, (iii) family, and (iv) friends; and (2) people within the community, such as people at church and support groups. Relationships are seen as one of the most crucial yet challenging elements to recovery and wellbeing for people affected by mental illness.

Sexuality and intimacy among people with serious mental illness: a qualitative systematic review

“…The geographical locations and the number of studies conducted were: UK (n=5), 49,56,59,61,64 USA (n=4), 48,51,54,58 Australia (n=4), 46,47,60,63 Canada (n=2), 57,66 India (n=1), 50 Israel (n=1), 55 Netherlands (n=1), 53 New Zealand (n=1), 52 Slovenia (n=1), 65 and Sweden (n=1). 62 The methodologies used included qualitative description, [49][50][51][52]56,59,[61][62][63] multiple case study, 46 single case study, 54,58 participatory action research, 47 phenomenology, 48,60,64,65 and grounded theory. 53,55,57,66 Sample sizes ranged from one to 146 participants.…”

“…58 One study used case notes 56 and another utilized focus groups. 52 The data analysis techniques used were thematic analysis, 47,49,51,52,56,[61][62][63] content analysis, 50,59 case study analysis, 46,54,58 constant comparison analysis 53,55,57,66 and phenomenological analysis. 48,60,64,65 Review Findings was derived out of thirty-six findings which were divided into four categories.…”

Supporting the intimate relationship needs of service users with psychosis: what are the barriers and facilitators?

“…The onset of mental health difficulties is often followed by the breakdown of relationships, including romantic relationships (Baker & Procter, 2015), and people with psychosis experience significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to the general population (Chrostek, Grygiel, Anczewska, Wci orka, & Switaj, 2016). People with psychosis may struggle to form romantic relationships for a number of reasons.…”

Managing emotional and psychological distress in older people

“…We can define ourselves through our relationships. When our relationships "break" through dissolution or death we can feel broken inside and relationship loss for older adults is suggested to have a negative impact on mental health (Baker and Procter, 2015) as well as contribute to complicated grief (Kessler, 2015).…”