Pasienter med psykiske helseplager og erfaringer med rehabilitering: En narrativ analyse

Background: Central guidelines are clear that the user`s wishes and needs are the starting point for each rehabilitation process. The purpose of rehabilitation is independence and participation in society. Despite clear guidelines for ensuring individually tailored services and rehabilitation for everyone, regardless of challenge, it is difficult to safeguard the mental health in the rehabilitation process. Both research and user organizations out that there is a divide of body and mind in today ́s healthcare system. This study deals with patients experience with the rehabilitation process when they struggle with both mental and physical health. Aim: The purpose of this study is to gain increased knowledge about the challenges that people with mental disorders who have undergone rehabilitation after somatic injury have in their recovery process. The aim of this study is therefore to gain increased insight in what they describe themselves about illness and the improvement work in a rehabilitation process. Methods: The material consists of qualitative interviews with 5 woman who have undergone community rehabilitation after a somatic injury and simultaneously struggle with anxiety or depression. It was analyzed using narrative method. Findings: The participants presented themselves as hard-working both before and after illness or injury. The participants pointed out pushing themselves too far as a reason for the troubles they have today, in addition to continuing with the same pattern of action also today. The stories tell of a challenging everyday life where they take action to counteract the deceitful body and negative thought patterns. At the same time as the participants' stories are dominated by hard work and a willingness to take action, they also express vulnerability, powerlessness, loneliness and a desire to belong. Discussions and conclusion: My findings are seen up against cultural society settings, framework of rehabilitation, Arthur Frank`s narratives and previous research. I have questioned whether today`s rehabilitation services can meet the needs of patients that struggle both mental and physical. Patients with mental disorders who have undergone rehabilitation after somatic injury or illness tell of a demanding life where they struggle to counteract the consequences of their physical and mental ailments. At the same time, the analysis of their stories highlights their painful stories and the importance of being seen, heard and be a part of a social setting