Phenomenological Analysis of the Meaning of Life in of People Who Experience Mental Illness

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of life in patients with mental illness.Methods: This study used a phenomenological research approach. Subjects were recruited from shared living houses or rehabilitation facilities. Subjects had received treatment for mental illness. An in-depth interview was conducted for data collection from June 2019 to September 2019.Results: Three themes of the meaning of life were identified; 1. discovering their own power to keep away from a shaky life, 2. expanding into a safe relationship, and 3. developing towards a more valuable life.Conclusion: The meaning of life for subjects who experienced mental illness was that they felt helpless in the process of endless mental illness, but they realized the value of accepting the disease and living their daily lives and tried to restore close relationships with people and live the life they desired.