Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 7 July 2008
By Kathleen Hope Anthony, EdD, APRN
ABSTRACT
The intent of this study was to learn how consumers experience helping partnerships that assist them in recovery to inform families, professionals, and peers about meaningful actions and strategies that promote the healing process. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 10 individuals who had a self-reported diagnosis of severe mental illness. Using the phenomenological research process, helping partnerships and how they develop were described. Six key themes emerged from the data and included Networks of Helping Partnerships, Teaching-Learning, Spirituality, Creative Drive, Time, and Medication Adherence. Characteristics and behaviors of helping partners were identified, as well as structures that promoted their development. Educating the public, consumers, and mental health professionals about how to promote recovery, the role of spirituality and creativity, the benefits of medication and therapy, and the impact of learning on progressing through recovery can go a long way toward eliminating the mystery and fear associated with mental illness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Anthony is Associate Nursing Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare-Toledo Campus, Toledo, Ohio.
The author acknowledges the fine guidance and counsel provided by her dissertation committee during the intense, insightful research process that was the basis for this article: Judy Alston, PhD (Chair), Joan Lawrence, PhD, Mark Earley, PhD, and Mary Kay Smith, MD.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Kathleen Hope Anthony, EdD, APRN, Associate Nursing Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare-Toledo Campus, 930 South Detroit Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614; e-mail: anthonyk@mh.state.oh.us.
