Mental health as perceived by persons with mental disorders – an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Abstract

In this interpretative phenomenological analysis study, we explored how persons with mental disorders perceive mental health. Adapting a salutogenic theoretical framework, 12 former inpatients were interviewed. The analysis revealed experiences of mental health as a movement, like walking up and down a staircase. Perceived mental health is expressed both verbally in an everyday language and through body language. Mental health is an aspect of being that is always present and which is nourished by four domains of life: the emotional; physical; social and spiritual domains. Mental health is experienced in everyday life as a sense of energy, and as more or less wellbeing. Exploring persons' meanings of mental health from a subjective perspective can extend the knowledge base that can be used in mental health promotion strategies.

Keywords::

• Salutogenesis
• flourishing
• positive mental health
• well being
• IPA

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, we are indebted to the 12 participants for sharing their experiences and understandings. We are also very grateful for the valuable contributions and hard work put in by our advisory team: Mette Haaland-Øverby, Sven Liang Jensen, Solveig Helene Høymork Kjus, Irene Norheim and Inger-Lill Portaasen. Last but not least, we would like to thank Suzanne Moore for scrutinizing the English language.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]

^2. Email: [email protected]

^3. Email: [email protected]

^4. Email: [email protected]

^5. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Funding

The first author has received financial support from the Norwegian ExtraFoundation for Health and Rehabilitation through The Norwegian Council for Mental Health.