The Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Adults on Acute Mental Health Wards: Intimate Relationship Needs and Recovery

Abstract

This study explores the psychiatric inpatient experiences of lesbian and gay service users in relation to their intimate relationship needs and how these experiences affected their mental health recovery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three gay men and three lesbians who had been resident on public sector psychiatric wards in the United Kingdom. The data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five master themes emerged: the conceptualization of intimacy, the relationship between intimate relationships and recovery, experiences of the ward, experiences of prejudice and discrimination in services, and a loss of power and personal identity as a service user.

KEYWORDS:

• lesbian
• gay
• mental health
• recovery
• severe mental illness
• intimate relationships
• sexuality
• inpatient
• psychiatric services
• recovery
• National Health Service (NHS)
• United Kingdom