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Self‐care in mental health services: a narrative review
Author(s) -
Lucock Mike,
Gillard Steve,
Adams Katie,
Simons Lucy,
White Rachel,
Edwards Christine
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
health and social care in the community
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.984
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1365-2524
pISSN - 0966-0410
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2011.01014.x
Subject(s) - mental health , perspective (graphical) , qualitative research , self management , psychology , health care , narrative , empirical research , nursing , self care , medicine , applied psychology , psychotherapist , sociology , social science , linguistics , philosophy , epistemology , artificial intelligence , machine learning , computer science , economics , economic growth
Self‐care is an important approach to the management of long‐term health conditions and in preventing ill‐health by living a healthy lifestyle. The concept has been used to a limited extent in relation to mental health, but it overlaps with the related concepts of recovery, self‐management and self‐help. These related concepts all entail individuals having more choice and control over treatment and a greater role in recovery and maintaining their health and well‐being. This paper reviews qualitative empirical research that provides information on the nature of self‐care in mental health from the perspective of people experiencing mental health problems. Twenty qualitative studies were identified from a systematic search of the literature. The methods used in these studies were critically appraised and key themes across studies identified self‐care behaviours and processes supporting self‐care. The paper also highlights challenges to this approach in mental health and provides a conceptual framework of the relationships between self‐care support, self‐care behaviours and strategies, and well‐being for the individual. It also highlights limitations in the current evidence base and identifies areas for future research.