Changes in people’s lives following a diagnosis of mental disorder: meaning and impact

Abstract

Objective: To find out the meaning of the diagnosis of mental disorder and the impact on their lives, as well as to assess whether the presence of any illness is an indicator of unhappiness. Methodology: Qualitative phenomenological study, with convenience and intentional sampling, a focus group and 16 individual interviews, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed in the N-vivo programme. Results: Physical and mental illness can produce unhappiness, although sometimes it is not a cause of unhappiness. The meaning of the illness for some meant nothing and for others major changes in their lives. Conclusions: Illness brings about changes in people’s lives, not only the expected ones, such as break-ups, job losses, stigma, etc., but also positive changes, such as personal growth.