| Abstract [eng] |
Although disclosure of one’s experience of mental illness is an important factor in the recovery process, this topic is not well understood or studied in scientific research. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse the experience of disclosing and concealing information about one's mental illness. The participants were 5 men and 5 women (age 24 – 53) with the experience of mental illness for at least a year, during which treatment has been received. Data was collected through semi – structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the decision to disclose information about one's mental illness is motivated by the desire to make oneself feel better, the need to justify oneself, and the desire to educate others. In contrast, concealment is motivated by the desire to avoid stigmatising reactions and other people’s discomfort. There appeared a tendency to be selective about the information that should be disclosed and to whom, both of which can change throughout time. Finally, participants in the study reported the positive value of both disclosing and concealing information about their mental illness. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of disclosure and concealment about one's mental illness and may be useful for those who interact with or provide support to people with mental illness. |
