The Impact of Chronic Mental Health Illnesses

Submitter and Co-author information

Brian W. BRown, University of WindsorFollow

Type of Proposal

Visual Presentation (Poster, Installation, Demonstration)

Faculty

Faculty of Nursing

Proposal

Mental health illnesses are broad, multi-dimensional phenomena with many sub-classes that effect many people worldwide. Mental health issues commonly affect every aspect of people’s lives and experiences can vary from person to person. The purpose of this project is to explore the experiences and challenges faced by people suffering with chronic mental health issues, and the impact it has on all aspects of their lives, as well as their families and loved ones. To identify common themes related to this topic, a literature search was conducted using CINAHL, and 12 articles were included for consideration in this project. In addition to a literature review, 10 interviews with currently hospitalized patients will be conducted to gain perspective on their lived experience in dealing with chronic mental health issues. Current themes that have emerged from the literature review are: stigmatization, self-image disturbances, difficulty with activities of daily living, difficulty with employment, impact of family and support networks, and barriers to holistic health. The literature discusses the negative impact that chronic mental health illnesses have on the previously mentioned themes that emerged from articles, and how each aspect effects the person’s life. Understanding the impact that chronic illnesses such as mental health illnesses has on all aspects of a person’s life can help broaden the understanding and reshape the views held by society and individuals. It can also help guide mental health education and health care provided to individuals experiencing chronic mental health issues.

Start Date

22-3-2018 2:30 PM

End Date

22-3-2018 4:30 PM

Location

Atrium

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Mar 22nd, 2:30 PM Mar 22nd, 4:30 PM

The Impact of Chronic Mental Health Illnesses

Atrium

Mental health illnesses are broad, multi-dimensional phenomena with many sub-classes that effect many people worldwide. Mental health issues commonly affect every aspect of people’s lives and experiences can vary from person to person. The purpose of this project is to explore the experiences and challenges faced by people suffering with chronic mental health issues, and the impact it has on all aspects of their lives, as well as their families and loved ones. To identify common themes related to this topic, a literature search was conducted using CINAHL, and 12 articles were included for consideration in this project. In addition to a literature review, 10 interviews with currently hospitalized patients will be conducted to gain perspective on their lived experience in dealing with chronic mental health issues. Current themes that have emerged from the literature review are: stigmatization, self-image disturbances, difficulty with activities of daily living, difficulty with employment, impact of family and support networks, and barriers to holistic health. The literature discusses the negative impact that chronic mental health illnesses have on the previously mentioned themes that emerged from articles, and how each aspect effects the person’s life. Understanding the impact that chronic illnesses such as mental health illnesses has on all aspects of a person’s life can help broaden the understanding and reshape the views held by society and individuals. It can also help guide mental health education and health care provided to individuals experiencing chronic mental health issues.