Needs of Individuals Recovering from a First-Episode of Mental Illness: A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis of Focus Group Discussions

Abstract

A broad array of needs often arise for individuals when significant physical or mental illness occurs. The aim of this study was to investigate the needs experienced by individuals recovering from a first-episode of mental illness, to explore how these needs have been assessed and to gauge the acceptability of participating in formal, systematic needs assessments in the future. Fifteen individuals who had presented to a tertiary mental health service within the previous 3 years, and who were considered to be recovering from a first-episode of mental illness discussed their current and previous needs in small focus groups. A qualitative descriptive methodology was adopted to analyse data. Three themes incorporating the broad range of inter-related and often complex needs were identified as being: the need for safety, stability and security; the need to be understood and to understand and; the need for support networks and services. Participants reported a lack of involvement in discussions with mental health clinicians regarding their needs, and were in favour of participating in formal, systematic needs assessments in the future.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants who generously contributed their time. We would also like to thank the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network for their in-kind support, the mental health clinicians who have assisted with this project and Dr. Colin Ireland for his assistance with the focus groups. The corresponding author was supported to undertake this research through an Australian Government Research Training Programme Scholarship.

Authorship statement

All authors listed meet the authorship criteria according to the latest guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, and all authors are in agreement with the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.