Mental illness: Perceptions regarding sufferers’ identities

Abstract

The perceptions that women followed up at psychosocial care centers have about themselves, other people and society, in view of their mental illness, were addressed. The influence that this service had on their identities was examined. This was a qualitative, descriptive study using topical life histories. Data were gathered through interviews, direct observation and a field diary. Thematic analysis was interpreted using Goffman’s framework. The results revealed that these women’s perceptions of identity differed from before to after their mental illness. They perceived that their families were distant from them, with difficulty in dealing with the illness; that professionals were welcoming; and that psychosocial centers contributed towards reconstruction and expression of identities, thereby promoting self-knowledge, guidance and emotional support. However, they saw that the service lacked refinement of actions for ensuring rights and investment in new aid strategies with the capacity to defend possible identities that are flexible and adaptable.