Abstract
There is currently limited knowledge about the firsthand experiences of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and the meanings they ascribe to these experiences, particularly within Arab countries. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experience of Omani adolescents and young adults with a mental health problem. A sample of 15 participants aged 13–22 diagnosed with a range of mental health problems took part in the study. A qualitative interview guide consisting of open-ended questions was used to allow participants to speak in-depth about their experiences. Using the thematic analysis approach to uncover patterns in the data, three major themes emerged: “living in darkness”, “perilous journey” and “uncertain future”. Results show that the progress of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems is characterized by several challenges; the most significant of which is having insufficient knowledge about their illness, leading to unnecessary delays in their treatment. These findings shed light on the breadth and depth of the experience of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and lay the groundwork for further examinations. Implications lie in the development of approaches for preventing or mitigating difficulties faced by adolescents and young adults with mental health problems.
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Reference70 articles.
1. The lived experience of adolescent users of mental health services in Vienna, Austria: A qualitative study of personal recovery;C Schneidtinger;Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing,2019
2. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among Arab adolescents: Findings from Jordan.;LA Dardas;Public Health Nursing,2018
3. Mental health problems in Austrian adolescents: a nationwide, two-stage epidemiological study applying DSM-5 criteria.;G Wagner;European child & adolescent psychiatry.,2017
4. Thinking about prescribing: the psychology of psychopharmacology;KD Pruett;Pediatric psychopharmacology: Principles and practice: Oxford University Press, New York,2010