Perspectives on the continuing community lives of individuals with mental disabilities in regional Japan: from the viewpoint of personal recovery

Taichi NARITA; Mayumi ISHIDA; Madoka SAKURAI; RAMSDL JAYATHILAKE; Tomohiro SHIMIZU; Keiko KOBAYASHI

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Perspectives on the continuing community lives of individuals with mental disabilities in regional Japan: from the viewpoint of personal recovery

VernacularTitle:Perspectives on the continuing community lives of individuals with mental disabilities in regional Japan: from the viewpoint of personal recovery
Author: Taichi NARITA ¹ ; Mayumi ISHIDA ² ; Madoka SAKURAI ³ ; RAMSDL JAYATHILAKE ⁴ ; Tomohiro SHIMIZU ⁵ ; Keiko KOBAYASHI ⁶
Author Information

1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Japan
2. Faculty of Nursing, Niigata Seiryo University, Japan
3. Former School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University, Japan
4. Department of Nursing, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
5. Faculty of Nursing, Yamanashi Prefectural University, Japan
6. Graduate School, Master of Science in Nursing, Saku University, Japan
Keywords: mental disabilities; personal recovery; community living; perspectives
From:Journal of Rural Medicine 2025;20(4):266-275
CountryJapan
Language:English
Abstract: Objective: Efforts have been made in Japan to transition individuals with mental disorders from inpatient medical care to community life. To promote the development of a community-based comprehensive care system that effectively addresses mental disorders, it is essential to clarify the issues from an individual’s perspective. This study aimed to examine the perspectives of individuals with mental disorders who have experienced long-term hospitalization to support their continued life in the community from the viewpoint of personal recovery.Materials and Methods: A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted. Nine individuals with mental disabilities living in Japan were interviewed. The interviews were conducted between September 2021 and December 2023 using a semi-structured format guided by the interview protocol. The interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results: Seven themes regarding future life were identified: “desire to live in one’s own way”, “realizing hopes and goals”, “desire to connect with the society and others”, “positive attitude toward the future”, “concerns and preparations for one’s own later life and that of one’s family”, “an uncertain future”, and “improvement of physical symptoms”. Eight themes associated with issues in community living were identified: “difficulty in controlling symptoms and self-management of medication”, “impact of deteriorating health on daily life, employment, and studies”, “social withdrawal and loss of connection with others”, “excessive interference from family members and deterioration of relationships”, “caring for elderly parents and their health issues”, “lack of understanding and support from others”, “difficulty in utilizing public support”, and “sustainable housing and financial issues”.Conclusion: Professionals must believe in the ability of individuals with mental disorders to achieve personal recovery and persistently support their choices and decisions. It is necessary to build a recovery-oriented and comprehensive community care system that responds to mental disorders based on the needs of community-dwelling patients.