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People Living With Mental Illness Perceptions of Physical Health, Mental Health and Well‐Being
Journal article   Peer reviewed

People Living With Mental Illness Perceptions of Physical Health, Mental Health and Well‐Being

Cassandra Porter, Christina Aggar and Kerith Duncanson
International journal of mental health nursing, Vol.33(6), pp.2293-2303
12/2024
PMID: 39073745

Metrics

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Abstract

health perspectives holistic care mental health people living with mental illness physical health well-being
Understanding the perspectives of regional people living with mental illness is crucial to adapting services, improving holistic care and meeting individual needs. This study explored people living with mental illness perceptions of physical health, mental health and well-being. A descriptive qualitative study design underpinned by empowerment theory was conducted. Qualitative data were collected verbally via semi-structured interviews, with demographic details provided verbally at the end of the interview. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify themes. The COREQ checklist was used for reporting. Fourteen participants admitted to regional mental health inpatient units aged between 25 and 84 years old were interviewed. Participants felt their overall well-being was good despite feeling their physical health or mental health was suboptimal, suggesting that their perceived well-being is influenced by factors beyond their physical and mental health. Most participants reported looking after their physical health, mental health and well-being and identified various behavioural lifestyle strategies they found helpful. Thematic analysis identified three themes: functioning well, feeling in control and meeting basic needs. Mental health services and clinicians play an important role in empowering people with mental illness to improve their physical health, mental health and well-being while admitted to inpatient services; however, it is acknowledged resources can be limited. Mental health services may consider referring people with mental illness to social prescribing programmes to meet their individualised needs on discharge.

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