Quality of Life: Priorities for People with Enduring Mental Health Problems

Abstract

Eleven people with enduring mental health problems were interviewed about their quality of life. The analysis of the data collected indicated that the key areas that were problems affecting their quality of life were lack of personal achievement, lack of job, difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, loneliness, health problems (both mental and physical), lack of leisure activities, personal safety and looking after self. The literature review also clearly indicated that finance and access to benefits were priorities for people with enduring mental health problems. The data collected will be used in the development of the Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire (2), a tool for use in identifying priority quality of life issues for people with enduring mental health problems. The interviewees said that they would be highly motivated to complete such a questionnaire.

A systematic review, psychometric analysis and qualitative assessment of generic preference-based measures of health in mental health populations and the estimation of mapping functions from widely used specific measures

“…213 Other studies 206,210 had a mixed population including the above disorders plus persons with personality disorder, severe depression and anxiety disorders. Two studies did not specify the disorder; they included persons described as having 'enduring mental health problems' 217 and 'psychiatric disability'. 214 Two studies had a primarily positive orientation in that they asked 'what is required for a good quality of life?…”

“…Distress, or the subjective experience of the symptoms of mental illness, was evident in the majority of studies 147,206,[211][212][213]216,217,220 and a major theme in four. 206,211,216,220 The subjective experience of mental illness was described as wretched, 217 a burden, debilitating, painful, 220 tormenting 216 and having a tyrannical power over life.…”

“…206,211,216,220 The subjective experience of mental illness was described as wretched, 217 a burden, debilitating, painful, 220 tormenting 216 and having a tyrannical power over life. 206 Preoccupation with the symptoms of mental health problems interfered greatly with the most basic tasks of everyday living, Chambers 2012,206,212,220 making it difficult to deal with anything but the present moment.…”

“…211,215,218 Anxiety in social situations was especially evident and took various forms, including anxiety about leaving the house, crowds and public places, Chambers 2012 concerns for their own safety 206,217 and that of others, Chambers 2012 worrying about what others thought of them and how they appeared, Chambers 2012,206 and fears of rejection. 220 Worries concerning relapse or aggravation of symptoms and social anxiety often resulted in the avoidance of any activity or situation which might be perceived as stressful, Gee et al…”

“…Chambers 2012,206,211,216-218,220 It was closely associated with loss of self-identity 207,218 and confidence. 216 Occupational activity was considered particularly important for self-esteem and status, 206,207,217 as was the satisfaction gained from helping others. 206 However, the difficulties encountered in obtaining employment often resulted in a lowering of self-esteem.…”