Parents with mental illness - a qualitative study of identities and experiences with support services

: Jones M, Pietila I, Joronen K, Simpson W, Gray S, Kaunonen M

Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

: 2016

: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

: JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

: J PSYCHIATR MENT HLT

: 23

: 8

: 471

: 478

: 8

: 1351-0126

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12321

: https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84990847667

Introduction: Parental mental illness is often viewed from a risk perspective. Despite this, being a parent can be both valuable and motivating. Research literature lacks the perspective of mothers and fathers, who have experienced mental illness. Aim: This study explores how parents with mental illness construct their identities as mothers and fathers and their experiences with health and social care services. Method: Three focus groups with 19 participants were conducted in Finland and Scotland. Methods of discourse analysis have been used in to analyse the interview data. Results: Adult service users want their parenting role recognized and supported. Parents have knowledge and skills which can be utilized and many have adopted an expert by experience identity. Discussion: Being able to see oneself as a 'good' parent can be challenging but important. Parents may require support, but want to be included in the planning of their care. Services could make more use of the knowledge and skills parents and families have, and joint working could lessen parents' anxieties. Implications for practice: Mental health practitioners are in a key position in providing more family centred, resource focused care. Service user expertise should be acknowledged in clinical practice.